In November 2021, Abbotsford experienced one of Canada’s largest flooding disasters when the Nooksack River overflowed and breached its dike and floodwater headed straight to Abbotsford, flooding Sumas Prairie. This event forced the closure of the US/Canada Border and Highway 1, effectively stopping the flow of people, goods and services and led to a significant loss of livestock and poultry, as well as the evacuation of over 1,100 properties and over 3,300 people from their homes.
Response and Recovery work began right away and has continued steadily since the floodwaters receded. The City of Abbotsford is working to develop a long-term flood mitigation plan for Sumas Prairie on how best to manage the impact of future floods to properties and reduce the risk of repeating the devastation experienced this past year.
Long-Term Flood Mitigation
Currently, when the Nooksack River overflows its banks, the water floods adjacent land and flows towards the flood boxes on Sumas River in Abbotsford. If these flood boxes are closed due to the water levels of the Fraser and/or Vedder rivers, water is held back and can flood properties as demonstrated by the latest atmospheric events. Depending on the volume, water can overflow the Sumas Dike into the former lake bottom area of Sumas Prairie. The November 2021 rainfall in Abbotsford was estimated to be approximately a one in 100-year event.

Debris and Boom Removal - July 8, 2022
During the flooding, the City installed a debris boom across the Sumas Canal to protect the pumps in the Barrowtown Pump Station from being damaged or plugged. Last week, five large loads of debris, collected by the boom, were removed from the Canal and d

No. 4 Road at Sumas Canal Bridge - May 31, 2022
View the photos showing the repairs to one of the City’s 12 bank stabilization sites in Sumas Prairie. Repairs to all Sumas Prairie bank stabilization sites were completed by May 27, 2022.

Cranberry Court - April 27, 2022
View the photos showing the repair work at one of the City’s 21 landslide sites, on Cranberry Court. The temporary repairs were completed on November 22, 2021. The City is awaiting approvals for the permanent repairs.

Straiton Road Near Willet Road - April 5, 2022
View the photos showing the repair work at one of the City's 84 damaged road sites, on Straiton Road, near Willet Road. Repairs were completed on February 23, 2022.

Sumas Mountain Road, North of Carlyle Road - March 22, 2022
View the photos showing the repair work and road relocation at one of the City’s 21 landslide sites, on Sumas Mountain Road, 400 metres north of Carlyle Road. Repairs were completed on February 23, 2022.

Delair Park Playground Restoration - March 16, 2022
View the photos showing the restoration work on the playground at Delair Park, one of the City’s 19 damaged parks and trails. The playground restorations, including sanitation, were completed on March 3, 2022.

Lakemount Road Bridge Replacement - March 10, 2022
View the before and after photos of the temporary bridge replacement at Lakemount Road, the site of one of the City’s 13 damaged bridges. The temporary bridge replacement was completed on January 26, 2022.
