Highway 1 in Abbotsford Closed by Flooding, Lacking Federal Support
The recent closure of Highway 1 in Abbotsford due to severe flooding has raised significant concerns about federal infrastructure funding. The Trans-Canada Highway, a critical route through the Fraser Valley, was halted for nearly 48 hours after an atmospheric river inundated the area last week.
Impact of Highway Closures
This latest disruption follows the devastating flooding event of November 2021, which saw Highway 1 shut down for about a week. During this time, the provincial and federal governments pledged financial support to enhance infrastructure resilience.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Funding Challenges
In response to previous flooding, the City of Abbotsford worked to improve its flood defenses. This included rebuilding the dike system and upgrading the Barrowtown Pump Station with provincial funding. However, the city’s bid for $1.7 billion in federal support was denied last year without any provided rationale.
The City of Abbotsford highlighted that its infrastructure enhancement plans aimed to safeguard Highway 1, crucial for maintaining the flow of food and goods during potential future disasters.
Economic Consequences of Inaction
- The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce expressed deep frustration over the lack of federal action, emphasizing that it could cost the Canadian economy billions.
- Alex Mitchell from the Chamber of Commerce remarked on the essential nature of Fraser Valley’s supply chains, claiming they should not become the region’s weak link.
The impact of the recent flooding was significant, with hundreds forced to evacuate and reports of livestock losses, particularly chickens.
Government Response
In light of the recent events, federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon emphasized the government’s commitment to support affected communities. However, he refrained from discussing specifics related to the floods from 2021.
With the region’s history of vulnerability to flooding, ongoing support and detailed infrastructure planning are critical to ensuring the safety and economic stability of the Fraser Valley.
