About the Project
The Fraser River, British Columbia’s longest river, is woven into the stories and the livelihood of the people living along its banks. The river has helped shape the Fraser Valley and its history of flooding serves as a powerful reminder of its influence. A memorable event for some alive today, in 1948 the Fraser River’s most notable flood, and second major flood recorded, forced the evacuation of 16,000 people in the Fraser Valley, causing an estimated $20 million ($210 million in todays’ dollars) in damages.
Today, the growing communities in the area are at a high risk of flooding. Another major event, which scientists predict a 1-in-3 chance will occur within the next 50 years, would directly affect a local population of over 100,000 people.
The City of Chilliwack has improved much of their flood protection system by building dikes and pumping stations, but the portion of the existing dike through Skwah and Shxwhá:y Village remains deficient. A proper flood protection system to protect Skwah and Shxwhá:y Village does not currently exist. A new dike to protect over 1,100 acres of additional land is to now be constructed. This involves the collaboration of both First Nations, private landowners, CP holders, the City, various BC agencies, ISC, and other federal departments. Urban Systems has been retained by all three communities as the lead consultant firm on this project.
This flood protection project represents a unique opportunity to significantly enhance the resiliency of several Indigenous Communities and the City of Chilliwack. The project will create direct and immediate employment and will create economic development opportunity on the protected lands.
Project Area
A Collaborative Approach
A project of this scale and over many jurisdictions requires extensive collaboration. The City of Chilliwack, Skwah First Nation, and Shxwhá:y Village collaborate through a steering committee as the Local Government / Ownership team.
agencies, consultants, & stakeholders involved
Local Governments / Owners
- Skwah First Nation
- Shxwhá:y Village
- City of Chilliwack
- Indigenous Communities with Right-to-Title are engaged through People of the River Referrals Office PRRO and assistance from Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC).
- Aitchelitz
- Cheam (Xwchíyò:m)
- Kwaw’Kwaw’Apilt
- Skowkale
- Soowahlie
- Sq’éwlets
- Squiala
- Ts’elxwéqyeqw
- Tzeachten
- Yakweakwioose
- S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance
Land negotiations are taking place with several land holders:
- Indigenous Certificate of Possession (CP) holders
- Private landowners
- City of Chilliwack
Numerous Regulatory, Funding, & Governmental Agencies are involved:
- BC Ministry of the Environment (MOE)
- Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO)
- Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
- Fraser Basin Council
- Emergency Management BC
- Infrastructure Canada
The Consulting Team consists of many specialists:
- Urban Systems Ltd (lead consultants, project managers, and civil engineering)
- Hemmera (environmental assessment and design)
- CWMM Engineering (structural engineering
- Thurber Engineering (geotechnical engineering)
- Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (hydraulic modeling)
Funding
ISC, the City of Chilliwack, and Infrastructure Canada via the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) have all pledged funding to this project totaling $63 Million.
PROJECT PHASING
The project will be designed and constructed in multiple stages, taking over 5 years to complete. The schedule is preliminary at this time and subject to change based on a number of factors not yet determined. However, the preliminary schedule of key milestones are:

FUNDING

SECURING LAND AGREEMENTS
(Through 2021)

GEOTECHNICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES & APPROVALS
(Through 2021)

BEGIN DETAILED DESIGN IN 2021

BEGIN STAGE ONE CONSTRUCTION IN LATE 2022

CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION 2025/2026
Contact
