The research weaves together Indigenous laws with an economic analysis to determine the cost of implementing ‘managed retreat’ as a nature-based solution to flood risk in the Lower Fraser region.
Our new map shows water quality sampling sites and the re-emergence of Sumas Lake after the 2021 floods.
We will be applying our community-based water pollution monitoring plan to select watersheds across southern BC in 2023.
Our findings painted a bleak picture of the health of the waterways meandering through the remnants of Sumas Lake, drained nearly 100 years ago by the Barrowtown Pump Station.
The catastrophic floods of late 2021 in southern British Columbia (Canada) and neighbouring Washington State (USA) destroyed homes, farms, and businesses, with excess water spilling debris, animal carcasses, and diesel fuel into historically productive fish habitat.
We call on all governments to pause and reflect on an alternative path for the Sumas region – one that acknowledges the ongoing threat posed by climate-change-induced flooding, the cost and risk of “business as usual” and the need for innovative, informed and inspired regional planning to support climate adaptation and reconciliation.
We embarked upon an emergency water sampling program in the Sumas area during a 10-week period.
November of 2021 was a month like many others for the temperate rainforest of coastal British Columbia – variable winds from the Southwest, skies grey, and an abundance of … precipitation. What set this year apart was the cumulative amount of rainfall in Vancouver – 312mm for the month of November – well above the…