TOPIC: B.C. FLOODS 2021
B.C. mayors 'dumbfounded' by federal disaster relief rejection
The mayors of three British Columbia communities devastated by flooding in November 2021 are calling for changes in how the federal government dispenses disaster relief after their applications were denied.
Federal disaster aid for 2021 B.C. floods taking too long: MP
The federal government estimates it will need to pay almost $3.4 billion for its share of the disaster recovery bills for flooding and landslides that devastated B.C.'s Fraser Valley in November 2021. More than two years later, only about 40 per cent of that has been paid.
Making highways resilient to extreme weather is the 'new normal,' B.C. transport minister says
British Columbia's transportation minister says 130 kilometres of highway that was severely damaged by flooding two years ago is now more resilient to extreme weather.
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'Widespread' amounts of cocaine, painkillers found in fish habitat on Sumas Prairie after 2021 floods: study
Fish habitat in the lower Fraser Valley was found to have an "astounding" amount of contaminants after extreme flooding last fall, according to a new study.
Ottawa should help B.C. create better flood relief plan, Senate report finds
A new Senate report is calling on the federal government to work with the provincial and local governments in B.C. to create a better, more comprehensive flood relief plan to protect the Fraser Valley from disastrous flooding in the future.
B.C. residents displaced by 2021 fires, floods asked for input on provincial support programs
British Columbia's ombudsperson is investigating how provincial government programs supported residents forced from their homes and communities during wildfires and floods last year.
B.C. floods were most costly weather event in provincial history: insurance bureau
November's floods in B.C. that swamped homes and farms, swept away roads and bridges and killed five people are now the most costly weather event in provincial history.
Abbotsford approves proposal to overhaul flood mitigation systems in city
Abbotsford council has approved a plan to significantly overhaul its flood prevention systems in a bid to prevent a one-in-200-year flooding calamity in the Fraser Valley city.
Hundreds in B.C. are still in urgent need of flood relief, community volunteers say
The need for donations is far from over in the wake of one of B.C.'s most devastating natural disasters, relief organizers say.
B.C. flood survivor warns others to check insurance amid increase in climate disasters
Pam Velt thought she was fully insured. But after the November 2021 floods wiped out her property in the Nicola Valley, she was shocked at the payout amount from her overland flood insurance.
B.C. communities struck by wildfires and floods brace for spring thaw
Major wildfires, droughts and mudslides last year dramatically altered the landscape in parts of the B.C. Interior, raising questions about the Nicola River's ability to handle the spring thaw.
After the flood: First Nations along B.C.'s Highway 8 work on recovery from disaster and trauma
Many of those who lived along B.C.'s Highway 8 say they're still very much in the thick of recovery after wildfires and floods last year. Here are some of the stories of those people and their communities.
Students, staff make emotional return to Abbotsford school damaged in record floods
Tuesday was an emotional day for students and staff of Upper Sumas Elementary School, which finally reopened following the unprecedented floods that hit Abbotsford, B.C., late last year.
Chief of First Nation struck by B.C. wildfires, floods says moving may be safest bet
The chief of a First Nation in British Columbia's Nicola Valley that was evacuated by both wildfires and floods last year says he wants more land for the community in a safer area.
Flood-damaged Coquihalla Highway expected to be fully repaired by end of year, ministry says
B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure says it is moving ahead with permanent repairs to the Coquihalla Highway that it expects to have completed by the end of the year.
Abbotsford mayor 'pleased' with proposal for new cross-border flood prevention plan
The mayor of Abbotsford, B.C. says he is "optimistic" after the governments of Washington state and British Columbia announced a cross-border proposal to develop a new flood prevention and response plan for the Nooksack River.
Scouts donate essential items to flood victims in Merritt
After months of collecting donations, the 13th Burnaby Ismaili Scout Group travelled to Merritt this weekend to hand out around 170 packages of essential items — including cleaning supplies, non-perishable food items and toiletries — to flood victims.
Merritt, B.C., aims to 3D-print homes to replace those damaged by flooding
The City of Merritt is considering an unconventional solution to replace some of the homes that were lost in last November's floods: 3D printing.
Hundreds of residents in Merritt, B.C., still out of their homes 3½ months after devastating floods
Many residents of Merritt, B.C., in the areas hardest hit by the floods of November 2021 are continuing to struggle with cleanup and repairs.
Highway 11 in Abbotsford to be fully operational again after extensive flood damage
Highway 11 in Abbotsford, B.C. is set to be fully reopened to all four lanes on Wednesday after wide-ranging damage due to floods in November.
Governments providing $228M to help B.C. farmers recover after floods
The federal and provincial governments are providing a joint $228 million package to help farmers and ranchers in B.C. recover after devastating floods last November.
35 days after B.C. floods, the Coquihalla Highway was repaired. Here's how
It took just 35 days to get commercial traffic back on the Coquihalla Highway in British Columbia after November's massive flooding event busted bridges and snapped pavement along one of the province's most critical corridors. Here's how they did it.
Blueberry farmers ask B.C. government to provide direct financial assistance for flood ravaged fields
Blueberry farmers in the flood-ravaged Sumas Prairie area of Abbotsford, B.C., are calling on the province to provide financial aid as they face a decade-long rebuilding effort.
These graphics show just how much record-breaking rain hit southern B.C. recently
B.C. has declared a state of emergency in the wake of devastating floods caused by record rainfall last weekend in the southern part of the province. These graphics illustrate the scope of what is being called a once-in-a-century storm.
Highway 1 through Fraser Canyon reopens to all vehicle traffic, delays expected
A critical section of the Trans Canada highway has reopened to vehicle traffic after suffering severe flood damage and closing in mid-November.