Chilliwack East Dike to receive more than $2M in upgrades

The Chilliwack East Dike in Chilliwack, B.C. will be receiving $2.34 million worth of upgrades, courtesy of the provincial and federal governments.

The upgrades are designed to increase flood protection for more than 40,000 residents living in the flood plain, while creating additional protection for critical infrastructure, including: rail lines, the TransCanada Highway, oil and gas infrastructure, utilities, hospital and care facilities, and a wastewater treatment plant.

“Dotted across the landscape of B.C. are waterways that add to the province’s natural beauty, but for many communities like Chilliwack that reside along their shores, the rivers can present real risks when the banks are brimming or spilling flood waters,” said Chilliwack MLA John Les. “The City of Chilliwack has done a commendable job of developing a comprehensive flood protection strategy to help proactively manage the flood threat and help ensure Chilliwack remains a safe place to live.”

The upgrades will take place from Wing Dike to Hope River and from Orchard Slough to McDonald Road.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are jointly investing $1.56 million through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, while the City of Chilliwack will fund an additional $780,000; for a total eligible cost of $2.34 million for the project.

The project is expected to begin construction in 2014-15.

Source: Infrastructure Canada.