Protecting the community from disastrous flooding has long been paramount for civic officials, according to Mayor Lois Jackson.
Responding to last week's announcement by the Fraser Basin Council of a new multi-pronged strategy to address the risk of a potentially catastrophic flood on the lower Fraser River, Jackson said her municipality for many years has been dealing with the issue, not only trying to figure out what might happen but also working on improvement projects.
"We have had this issue at the very top of our agenda, in particular at freshet time, ever since I have been on council. We have pushed very long and very hard.
"While I have been mayor, we have upgraded and continue to upgrade our dikes. We consider that to be paramount to the safety of our community, including Annacis Island," said Jackson.
The first phase of the new strategy, to take place this year and next, will be to gain a better understanding of flood hazards in the Lower Mainland, identify flood vulnerabilities across the region, and assess flood management practices and policies from a regional perspective.
Staring in 2016, the next phase is to set out options for funding and implementation.
Jackson said all levels of government, including local, must be willing to contribute financially.
There are about 61 kilometres of dikes and seawalls in Delta.
The community's location on the Fraser River
floodplain puts it at high risk. The biggest threat occurs from winter storms and along the Fraser River in late spring and early summer, particularly when there's a heavy snowpack and a sudden spell of hot weather.
The two major floods here - in 1894 and 1948 - were both a result of the spring freshet.
"It has come to my attention that there are many dikes up river that are not really to standard. What happens is that you may have your dikes all in order, but if your neighbour doesn't, then you flood," Jackson said.
Earlier this year, it was announced Delta would receive just over $666,000 from the federal and provincial governments as part of new flood protection funding.
The Delta projects involve 450 metres of dike improvements along
Boundary Bay between 96th and 104th streets as well as 50 metres of dike north of Beach Grove.
The project is a continuation of dike erosion protection upgrades underway since 2003.
Delta will also contribute just over $333,000, making it a $1 million endeavour.
Delta engineering director Steven Lan said since 2003, more than $8 million has been invested in flood protection works at Boundary Bay alone, work largely dependent on matching grants.
In the last few years there have been other projects, including over $1 million spent on dike erosion protection on Westham Island as well as other areas, he noted.
Delta is currently undertaking its own $83,000 geotechnical study and seismic displacement analysis on several sections of dike in Ladner.
On hand at last week's announcement, Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay said, "A catastrophic flood in the lower Fraser basin has the potential for disastrous impacts on public safety, health, and cost billions of dollars from the loss of property, services, infrastructure, trade, business and the environment."
Findlay said last year's devastating floods in Alberta demonstrated the price of not preparing.
"This strategy will result in better policies and plans that can be put in place now to help prepare for future catastrophes," she said.
Noting she supports the coordinated effort, Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington said it's time for governments at all levels to treat the threat seriously and commit to a plan that will protect the future of the Fraser Valley, its people and infrastructure.
