Delta will receive just over $666,000 from the federal and provincial governments in newly announced flood protection funding.
Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, on behalf of Michelle Rempel, Minister of State of Western Economic Diversification, was joined at Delta Municipal Hall Friday afternoon by Mayor Lois Jackson and others to announce the joint funding. More than $27 million will be invested for 26 flood mitigation projects across the province, Delta's involving 450 metres of dike along Boundary Bay between 96th and 104th streets, as well as 50 metres of dike north of Beach Grove. Work will improve the grade of the slope and provide a larger riprap protection layer. The project is a continuation of dike erosion protection upgrades underway since 2003.
Delta will also contribute just over $333,000, making it a $1 million endeavor.
"Our government is committed to keeping Canadians safe," said Findlay, Minister of National Revenue. "The funding announced today will help ensure Delta's dikes meet modern standards well into the future."
"Living next to the water can be a concern for people who live here," said Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton. "Protecting our homes and our farmland is a priority for our government."
Jackson said Delta has been vigilant and proactive when it comes to flood protection, but future projects will be needed.
"For more than 10 years, Delta has been working to improve flood protection and dike foreshore erosion protection," Jackson said. "To date, our partnership with the federal and provincial governments has resulted in the completion of more than 3,000 metres of improved foreshore protection on the East Delta/Boundary Bay dike and a major pump station upgrade. This project continues that successful partnership and will improve another 450 metres of foreshore dike protection, for long-term flood protection in our community."
There's about 61 kilometres worth of dikes and seawalls in Delta, its location on the Fraser River floodplain placing the community at greater risk of flooding.
A federal advisory panel report a couple of years ago noted Metro Vancouver is at greater risk of flood damage due to climate change than any place in Canada.
The study, titled Paying the Price: The Economic Impacts of Climate Change for Canada, recommended that a detailed assessment of flood risks and the ability of the region's protective dikes to withstand climate change be undertaken.
The report noted, "Dikes were not designed with climate change in mind, so additional risk from climate change remains a concern."
Delta council at its last meeting approved spending $83,400 for an engineering consultant to conduct geotechnical field investigations and seismic displacement analysis on several sections of dike in Ladner.
