Fraser River - Another Example of 'Downloading'

In 2007, Abbotsford was one of several communities along the Fraser River scrambling resources to secure dykes against the spring freshet. The Vedder and Matsqui Dykes were both raised to meet the approaching threat of possible flooding. Additionally, protective measures were also implemented to safeguard the JAMES treatments plant against flood threat. The total cost of all three projects was $9,057K., of which the provincial government contributed $4,000K. The City paid $5,042K out of Storm Reserves and the District of Mission contributed $33K towards the JAMES treatment plant costs.

The City of Abbotsford lobbied the federal government for financial assistance - directly, through the FVRD, and through local farm groups. In due course, the federal government did forward funds to the provincial government, as a result of this lobbying; however, no additional funds were received by the City.

Fast forward seven years and the City once again finds itself having to direct financial resources for remedial work to protect the Matsqui Dyke against river currents caused by an ever-changing river. For many years, the point has been made to provincial and federal authorities that the river hydrology has resulted in sand accumulations that have redirected river currents against the Matsqui Dyke. Five identifiable erosion arcs have materialized over the last few years, with one in particular posing severe threat, eroding the south bank to within metres of the toe of the dyke. Work to remediate this particular erosion arc has been completed at a cost of $2,767,700, of which the provincial government gave permission to transfer grant funding intended for the Glen Valley dyke. In addition the provincial government forwarded $250K in new money, leaving a shortfall of $1,300,000 to be taken out of General Reserve. Once again, Abbotsford property taxpayers are on the hook for dyke repairs.

Of particular interest, and great concern, is the tone of the recent letter received by the City, from our Attorney General. She writes,

“Should a new program be made available, local authorities will be informed of any new opportunities for funding.” and “Erosion is a common and natural process that takes place across British Columbia.  The potential magnitude of a comprehensive erosion control program by the Province is fiscally prohibitive.”

If I understand her correctly, she is saying that the provincial government cannot afford to fund the ongoing management and maintenance of the Fraser River; that local jurisdictions along the river course should be prepared to share this financial responsibility.

These expenditures are the direct result of the seasonal threats from a flooding Fraser River, and eroding currents directed at the south bank by the Fraser River, as a result of changing hydrology. Any decisions to address the causes of these changes are outside the parameters of our jurisdiction; we are virtually powerless to make effective changes, and are at the mercy of federal and provincial ministries to manage the river in a way that could reduce this threat to the south shore.

And yet Abbotsford Property-Tax payers have been asked to finance emergency works on the river banks and dykes, over the past 6 years, to the tune of $6,342,000 (55%). They are carrying the lion’s share of the costs to safeguard our community against the continuous threat posed by this powerful river. It should be noted that not only is 5000 hectares of diversified farmland at risk, but also vital infrastructure that has both provincial and federal significance – a provincial highway, a national railway line, BC hydro towers, gas mains, water mains, National Defence communication centre, and a waste water treatment plant.

The last thing I want is to sound ungrateful for the financial assistance we have received, but with all due respect to our senior levels of government, management of the Fraser River is not the responsibility of local governments along the river’s path. It is past time for them to step forward and initiate effective measures that will address the causes of this continuous threat, not only to the south bank of the river, but also complete oversight and management of the river along its entire course, including the full funding of same.