Police, fire and city crews were out in full force Thursday dealing with flooding in neighbourhoods throughout the Tri-Cities.
But neighbourhoods in southwest Coquitlam, particularly along Brunette Avenue, were among the hardest hit by high-water flows due to heavy rains.
Several homes in the 1600-block of Brunette Avenue had to be evacuated because residents' gas and water were cut off, standard procedure in flooding incidents, according to Fire Chief Wade Pierlot.
As well, another home in the 1000-block of Brunette Avenue was affected by flooding and a trailer park at 145 King Edward Ave. was experiencing flooding due to the heavy rains.
According to the city of Coquitlam, Booth Creek overflowed Sheridan Avenue. A total of seven homes on Brunette, Sherdian and Booth sustained flooding damage and residents have had to leave their homes while restoration work takes place. Three homes required assistance and approximately 15 residents have been provided temporary lodging through Emergency Social Services (ESS). "All impacted residents have been advised to contact their insurance companies. There is no update at this time as to when residents can return to their homes," stated Kathleen Vincent, city spokesperson, in an email statement.
Since last night, city crews have responded to over 45 catch basin blockage/road flooding reports as well as culvert blockages, surcharging manholes, property flooding and a creek overflow.
City crew priorities at this time include ongoing catch basin cleaning, road repairs on Sheridan and boulevard repairs on Sheridan, Brunette, Cayer and Booth.
In addition, all of the City's Environmental Worksite Bylaw officers are out inspecting and assisting contractors, developers and residents to address the impacts of the flooding.
City trucks were also out in areas along Schoolhouse Street and Lucille Starr Way near SilverCity vacuuming up the excess water.
Although the rains subsided by the afternoon, Chief Pierlot said they were expected to return and he said extra crews had been brought in to handle flooding concerns.
Cities, including Port Moody and Coquitlam, were also asking residents to clear their catch basis of leaves so the water could dissipate.
"City crews are out in full force but if you do see any areas of concern please contact Engineering Customer Service at 604-927-3500," stated Coquitlam spokesperson Kathleen Vincent in an email. "Additionally, anything you can do to remove leaves and debris from catch basins (storm drains) is much appreciated."
Port Moody sent out similar requests via social media.
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