Grand Forks Officially Completes Flood Mitigation Program

The Grand Forks Flood Mitigation Program has officially completed, the Province of British Columbia concluded this month.

Launched in response to major flooding in 2018, the mitigation program was supported by a provincial government investment $60 million on top of $20M in federal funding and $9M of municipal capital.

As part of the program, three kilometres of diking, 400 metres of stormwater mains, two stormwater pump stations, and 500 metres of stormwater management and drainage improvements were developed.

In addition, a two-hectare off-river bypass channel was created in order to further reduce flood risk, while 28,000 trees and shrubs were planted along the channel banks.

“In the wake of the devastating 2018 flood, we made a commitment to rebuild stronger and reduce the risks posed by future flood events,” stated Grand Forks Mayor Everett Baker.

“Today, our neighbourhoods, businesses, industries and critical infrastructure are better protected because of that commitment and the strong partnership between the city, the Province, the federal government and our community,” he remarked. “This investment not only enhances public safety but also provides greater confidence and resilience for generations to come.”

Overall, the program claims to now protect more than 400 residents as well as over 100 commercial and industrial properties from future floods.

“People in Grand Forks and their neighbourhoods are much safer with the completion of these projects, which are the result of good collaboration between the city, the Province and the federal government,” says Kelly Greene, who serves B.C. as Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. 

“The success of the Grand Forks Flood Mitigation Program shows what’s possible when all levels of government work together to reduce risk to people and communities that are experiencing the consequences of a changing climate,” said Greene.

Since 2017, the Province has provided $580 million for nearly 3,000 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects.