The dike protecting Coquitlam agricultural land from the Pitt River will be getting an upgrade to meet flood-level requirements.
The provincial government is footing the $7.65-million bill to improve the 65-year-old dike that runs on the west side of the Pitt River, north of the DeBoville Slough, mitigating flood risk to about 330 hectares of land. About 95% of the land is in the Agriculture Land Reserve, but there are also residences in the area.
The funding is part of a collaboration between the province and city of Coquitlam to transfer the dike operations and maintenance to the city by 2017. For years Coquitlam has requested that Victoria upgrade the dike to flood-level requirements before downloading the maintenance on to the city.
"The City of Coquitlam looks forward to working collaboratively with the province to improve flood protection to the farmers and residents along the DeBoville Slough and Pitt River," said Mayor Richard Stewart in a release. "An important first step will be working with the province to ensure that the dikes are fully upgraded to current agricultural standards before they are transferred to Coquitlam."'
The existing dike crest fails both the agricultural and provincial standards, leaving the nearby farmlands prone to flooding during a Fraser River spring freshet. As well, the dike crest is too narrow and the bank too steep, and it has areas that are eroding.
Once complete, the dike will be 4.6 km long and 4.4 metres high.
"We…need to be aware of the real potential waterways pose for flooding and associated risks to public safety," said Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Linda Reimer. "By substantially investing in critical infrastructure, we are taking proactive steps to keep communities and people safe."
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