Prime agricultural land, created by sediment deposited by the Fraser River, is located in the areas known as Sumas Prairie and Matsqui Prairie. Both areas used to flood regularly, and are now protected from further flooding by dykes. Drainage behind the dykes is improved by pumping water over them in winter/spring months, and irrigation water is supplied in ditches in summer months.
The funds needed to maintain and operate the improvements are collected from the benefiting properties via Local Service Area levies. A Dyking, Drainage, and Irrigation Committee, one for each area, makes recommendations to Council on the disbursement of those funds, and assists staff in the administration of the improvements.
The Operations division of the Engineering Department, managed by the Manager, Drainage and Electrical, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the drainage and irrigation pump stations, and the flood protection dykes in the Sumas and Matsqui Prairie Dyking Districts.
Annual General Meetings
Each year, an Annual General Meeting is held for the Matsqui Prairie and the Sumas Prairie. Please click on the following links to access the agenda package for the Annual General Meeting:
Supplementary information for the Agenda Packages are included in the following links:
For general information regarding ditch maintenance, and Best Management Practices for soil conservation and water quality, please click the following links: