'Overall positive forecasts' outlined in latest update on flooding in Abbotsford, B.C.
The mayor of one of the cities most impacted by recent B.C. storm systems says the protections in place in Abbotsford are as ready as they're going to get.
In an update Tuesday, Mayor Henry Braun said water levels in some places started to rise in the morning, prompting targeted evacuation orders.
Several roads in the northern part of the city were closed due to flooding as well, he said.
"I can tell you that we are seeing some significant pooling of water on both the Matsqui Prairie and in the North Parallel Road area," he said.
But it's not all bad news, according to Braun.
"Despite the localized flooding that we are experiencing today, I am pleased to be able to share that I have some overall positive forecasts related to the larger flooding situation. Regional water modelling projections for today and for the next few days indicate a stabilization of overall water levels across our region, despite the rain that we are receiving and will continue to receive into tomorrow."
Describing it as "great news," he said the floodgates of a local pump station remain open, and the Sumas River is flowing into the Fraser River, lowering his concerns of another devastating flood.
Along Swanson Street in the Matsqui Prairie north of Highway 1, Richard and Lisa Harmatuik have been working for weeks to fight back the floodwater on their property.
“We’ve had water every year, but nothing like this,” Richard said. “This is about double what we’d normally see.”
Their property is situated on a lower-lying piece of land, compared to their neighbours on either side.
“There (are) not sloughs close by that enter into the Fraser,” Richard said. “We’re the lowest property and everybody drains to us.”
They’ve been trying to keep the floods from entering a wood-working shop behind their home, which is Richard’s livelihood.
“This is what pays the mortgage,” Lisa said. ‘We could have 50 men from the army here, and they aren’t going to stop the water falling out of the sky.”
The Harmatuiks have multiple pumps going, and a line of sandbags which they plan to build up even more, but said it’s been hard for them to accept help.
“I don’t want to take away from the families who have lost their homes, the families that have lost their livelihoods and their stock,” Lisa said.
“I didn’t even want a sandbag delivery the other day, because I felt I was taking it from someone else,” Richard added.
Richard spent Monday night sleeping in the shop, keeping an eye on the pumps to ensure they keep operating. They’re grateful their home has been spared, and for the way their community has come together to help, but their fight is far from over.
“It’s just going to be another long day and a long night,” Richard said. “There’s not much we can do except keep at it, pray that it’ll lighten up.”
The Washington-based Nooksack River, responsible for much of the flooding that destroyed homes and left thousands of farm animals dead, is currently not at risk of overflowing, though the situation is "fluid," Braun warned.
All work along a dike built up to stop the damage of farms in the area is complete, "and right now, our dikes are as ready as they can be," he said.
Patrols are being conducted overnight to ensure any change in conditions is flagged immediately.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.