In total, 485 properties across Sumas Prairie were placed under Evacuation Order. As these Orders continue to be lifted and residents prepare to return home, Abbotsford City Council has authorized temporary measures to help reduce financial strain and expedite the permitting process for demolition, restoration and reconstruction of flood-damaged homes, barns and other structures.
For the next 12 months, for properties identified within the Eligible Properties Area Map, the City will:
- Prioritize restoration building permits through an “over-the-counter” building permit process;
- Expedite demolition permits and building permits for structural repairs, with a review and issuance target of two working days or less;
- Expedite building permits for reconstruction of accessory structures, such as barns or sheds, with a review and issuance target of five working days, and;
- Waive flood restoration building permit and demolition permit fees.
This approach mirrors actions taken following the 2021 flooding, when Abbotsford City Council also waived restoration-related fees to help ease the financial burden on affected residents.
Additional resources and guidance for residents returning to their properties are available on the Return Home information page.
At this time, Evacuation Orders remain in place for 11 properties, while 474 properties remain under Evacuation Alert.
As of this morning, the Environment Canada has removed the heavy rain weather alert for Abbotsford. A Flood Warning for the Sumas River remains in effect from the BC River Forecast Centre; however, water levels in the river are slowly receding. Levels of the Nooksack River at North Cedarville continue to decline and are projected to remain well below flood stage.
Staff in the Emergency Operations Centre and in the field continue to actively monitor river levels, dikes, roads and weather conditions closely.
The City of Abbotsford will continue to provide updates to residents at www.abbotsford.ca and on City social media channels.
