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- Monday - Feb 2 - Flood mitigation
Monday - Feb 2 - Flood mitigation
Plus, two senior dogs in need of help.
Emily Edwards
February 02, 2026
🌧️ High 10C
Good morning!
The province has committed $3.3 million to help protect the Sumas Prairie from future flooding, following two major flood events over the past two months. Today's feature explores how the money will fund hydraulic modelling, ecological assessments, and water quality studies through an initiative that brings together three First Nations and two cities.
In other news, Chilliwack School District has opened public consultation on a plan to balance enrolment across its schools as the city's population continues to grow — and two bonded senior dogs in Aldergrove are in need of urgent dental and medical care after being surrendered following their owner's death.
– Emily
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News & Features
BC commits $3.3M in funding for flood mitigation planning in the Sumas Prairie
Photo: Unsplash
After back-to-back flood events in December and January, the province is putting some financial backing toward flood mitigation in the Sumas Prairie.
“December’s flooding in the Sumas region was a vivid reminder that this critical national economic and transportation corridor is highly prone to water surges during periods of heavy rainfall,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
The province is putting $3.3 million toward the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Planning Initiative, which was created in 2021 after disastrous floods hit the region. The initiative is made up of the Semá:th, Máthxwi and Leq’á:mel First Nations, the City of Abbotsford, the City of Chilliwack, and the province.
The initiative was told of the funding in December, after “extensive planning” through the summer, according to the province. It will pay for a hydraulic model, risk and ecological assessments and multiple studies on water quality, fish habitats and water pump effectiveness.
Need to Know
📚 Chilliwack School District launched public consultation on a draft plan to balance school enrolment, with feedback open until April 10 and a final decision expected by June. [Chilliwack School District]
🐉 Chilliwack Cultural Centre hosts a Lunar New Year celebration on February 15 featuring concerts, a Lion Dance, and martial arts demonstration to welcome the Year of the Horse. [Chilliwack Progress]
🎬 The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival returns to Hope on April 10, with all proceeds supporting the Hope Mountain Centre for Outdoor Learning. [Hope Standard]
🚗 Mission RCMP issued a 90-day driving prohibition to an impaired driver who ended up hanging over a retaining wall after turning too early into a shopping plaza on January 25. [Mission Record]
🎅 Santa's Workshop in downtown Chilliwack raised over $22,000 in donations over the holiday season, with funds going directly to the Chilliwack Salvation Army food bank. [Chilliwack Progress]
🐾 LAPS is fundraising $5,000 to cover urgent dental and medical care for bonded senior dogs Magik and Misfit after being surrendered following their owner's death. [Langley Advance Times]
🏀 Spanish players Ismael Hernandez and Dario Lopez have become key contributors for the UFV Cascades, helping the team sweep UBC for the first time since 2013. [UFV]
SPONSORED BY SOCIÉTÉ FRANCOPHONE DE MAILLARDVILLE
Festival du Bois returns March 6-8
Come dance to Québécois and Celtic fiddle tunes and Latin rhythms, revel in bhangra-Celtic fusion, fiddle-singing and more – Festival du Bois returns to Coquitlam's Mackin Park March 6-8. A warm welcome, generous helpings of francophone and world culture, cuisine traditionnelle, family fun await! Early Bird discounts to Feb 6.
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🗓 Things to do
Taste of the Valley: A two-day artisan food market and juried art show at Heritage Park in Chilliwack runs Friday, February 6 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, February 7 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with admission at $5 (free for children 5 and under) and parking by donation.
Skate for All: Matsqui Blades Speed Skating Association hosts a free, community-based speed skating event for youth and underrepresented groups on Wednesday, February 4 in Abbotsford, featuring a special appearance by Canadian National Team skater Abigail McCluskey.
Super Bowl Party: Silver Chalice Pub in Hope hosts a Super Bowl watch party with prizes and free chili on Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 PM.
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