Abbotsford, B.C. — Efforts to reduce the risk of further erosion on the Fraser River bank, and in particular that of the Matsqui Dike, are receiving much needed support, thanks to the combined investment of more than $19 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with the City of Abbotsford.
Announced by MP John Aldag, Minister Nathan Cullen, and Mayor Ross Siemens, the project will increase the resilience of the dike — which is situated on the Sumas First Nation’s traditional fishing territory, and also protects the Matsqui First Nation downstream.
This project is the first of its kind to address flooding and bank erosion concerns in Abbotsford through a collaborative approach between Sumas First Nation, the City, and the Province. The project design incorporates Indigenous knowledge, engineering, and environmental solutions to minimize the risk of Fraser River flooding due to a Matsqui Dike breach, while restoring fishing sites and improving fish habitat.
Overall, the project will reduce the likelihood of bank erosion creating a dike breach, due to climate change.
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
“With increasing importance on protecting our environment and communities from climate change, investments in disaster mitigation is another step the federal government is taking to protect Canadians. With this announcement, we are working to mitigate climate issues that continue to impact the Fraser River and the Matsqui Dike by protecting this area from further erosion. We will continue to work with all levels of government to secure Canadians’ future, better protect homes, and create greater climate resilience.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Quick facts
- The federal government is investing $7,263,320 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), the provincial government is investing $10,800,000, and the City of Abbotsford is contributing $1,028,866.
- Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion through the DMAF.
- To date, over $2.3 billion has been announced through the DMAF for 88 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe.
- This funding will support projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.
- Municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector, can apply for funding. Projects must have a minimum of $1 million in total eligible costs to be considered eligible.
- On November 24th, 2022, the federal government released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.
- As part of the Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund received an additional $489.1 million in funding
