Flood victims in B.C.'s Sumas Prairie now dealing with looters
As Abbotsford, B.C., lifts more evacuation orders for properties in Sumas Prairie, some residents who are starting to return home are finding not only are their belongings destroyed, but also stolen.
Kelsey Mostertman took CTV News Vancouver on a tour of Ripples Estate Winery on Monday. What was once a rustic chic venue, now looks like a war zone, covered in leftover flood waters and mud.
“With everything we’ve lost, we just can’t stomach anymore at this point,” Mostertman said.
The property is also a well-known barn-themed wedding venue, a palm plant nursery and a distillery.
The Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford experienced some of the most severe and prolonged impact after the first round of B.C.’s atmospheric river last month. Mostertman told CTV News water levels were nearly six-feet high. Many of their items were either destroyed or floated away, including 40 wine barrels.
“We managed to locate about ten of them along Tolmie Rd the other day but as you can see, we are pretty busy dealing with the devastation on our property, we didn’t have time to pick everything up,” said Mostertman.
She was shocked to find all the valuable items they left behind on the side of the road were gone the next morning.
“It’s kind of become a free-for-all for people picking up whatever they can find,” Mostertman said.
Mostertman first made her remarks on social media. Her post has now been shared by almost 400 Facebook users.
She fears as more road barricades are removed, the looting will only increase.
The City of Abbotsford said crews have been clearing debris along flood-stricken roads in Sumas Prairie. However, Mostertman believes the city would not pick up valuable items and leave trash behind.
“We are trying to deal with the devastation on our property and we shouldn’t have to fend off the last of our belongings,” said Mostertman.
When Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun was made aware of the alleged looting, he said it was news to him.
“I have not heard of this,” said Braun. “There are some police barriers that have been stolen, which has been an issue … I will be heading back to the emergency operations centre to let police know this is happening.”
More evacuation orders in Sumas Prairie are expected to be lifted in the coming days. As residents begin to assess the damage and rebuild, the message is clear from residents and officials: if you don’t need to be in the area, please stay away.
“We’ve had enough," added Mostertman. "We just want time to grieve without all of this traffic coming through."
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.
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.
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.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
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.
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.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.