Evacuation order lifted for 400 properties in Abbotsford, B.C., as flood cleanup continues
Hundreds more flood evacuees are being allowed to return home to the Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford, B.C., as the city continues cleaning up from last month's catastrophic flooding.
Mayor Henry Braun announced Wednesday that rapid damage assessments have been completed for houses, barns and garages in the southern Sumas Prairie, allowing officials to lift an evacuation order for 400 properties.
"Ensuring the safety of our residents is our priority," Braun said.
About 200 homes still remain under evacuation order.
Officials said people living in the Lake Bottom area of Sumas Prairie – the last remaining area with floodwaters – could be able to return home in the coming days.
Water levels in Lake Bottom have decreased by about 50 centimetres over the last two days, Braun said.
"We have also made good progress in conducting road, bridge and culvert rapid damage assessments, which supports us safely getting people back to their properties in the near future," the mayor added.
With restoration work underway, the city is setting up a transfer station at Riverside Road near McConnell Road for mixed waste, bagged drywall and mattresses damaged during the floods.
Abbotsford also started a water disinfectant process for the Sumas Prairie area on Tuesday, and officials said recently returned evacuees may notice a "chlorine odour."
"This should be minimal as the 'Do Not Use' water advisory which allows for flushing only remains in place," Braun said.
A second potable water station is also being set up at Whatcom and Vye roads on Thursday. It will have the same hours as the first one at No. 2 Road and Boundary Road, which is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.