Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Planning Initiative
A collaborative, multi-government framework for risk assessment and flood mitigation in the Sumas River Watershed
Public Information Sessions taking place this June 2026!
The Province, the cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and the Semá:th and Leq’á:mel First Nations have developed a comprehensive Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan.
First Nation members, residents and business operators in Sumas Prairie are invited to learn more about this plan and share their feedback.
Please join us for one of the upcoming Open House Information Session(s)
First Nations Community Members Only
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m
Location: Semá:th Community Centre
2800 Sumas Mountain Rd, Abbotsford
Agriculture Focused Session and Open House
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: Agriculture Focused Session – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Open House – 4:00 – 7:00 p.m
Location: Semá:th Community Centre
2800 Sumas Mountain Rd, Abbotsford
Open House
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m
Location: Clarion Hotel – Valley Room
36035 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford
Open House
Date: Tuesday, June 23
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m
Location: Clarion Hotel – Pinnacle 1 Room
36035 N Parallel Rd, Abbotsford
Provide Your Feedback
We would like to here from you. Please provide your feedback on the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan through the survey link:
“S’ólh téméxw te íkw’elò. Xyólhmet te mekw’ stám ít kwelát.”
The goal of the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan (SRWFMP) is to reduce flood risk in the Sumas River Watershed. This area is within the Stó:lō traditional territory known as S’ólh Téméxw. A joint effort is vital; this initiative brings together the Province, the Cities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and the Semá:th, Leq’á:mel and Máthxwi First Nations to develop a comprehensive flood plan.
The November 2021 atmospheric river floods devastated British Columbia’s communities and habitats. The flooding in the Sumas River Watershed showed the need to collaboratively prepare for future floods. There is a need for communities to repair, rebuild, and recover for a more resilient future.
In 2023, six parties signed the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Collaborative Framework. The goal of this Framework is to reduce flood risk and restore ecosystems for everyone’s benefit. The partners collaborate on emergency management, flood planning, and habitat restoration.
The Six Partners of the Collaborative Framework Are:
Lotse th’á:le, Lets’emó:t – One Heart, One Mind
The partners have committed to working together in a good way. One of the pillars of collaboration is Lotse th’á:le, Lets’emó:t, a Halq’eméylem phrase that means “One Heart, One Mind.”
The six partners commit to:
Initial work
Flood mitigation planning requires a holistic view of the watershed. Although water quantity is important, the partners recognize that it is not the only factor to consider. The SRWFMP considers cultural, social, economic, and environmental values. The plan aims to include a mix of infrastructure, non-structural, and nature-based solutions.
Initial work includes:
Upgrade Abbotsford’s Barrowtown pump station (see News Releases)
Upgrade dikes damaged by the 2021 atmospheric river events (through parallel recovery processes)
Build relationships between the six partners through a facilitated planning process
Develop a comprehensive hydrological model
Conduct flood-risk assessments
Collect scientific data and traditional knowledge of the land
Develop balancing principles and planning values
Feed shared interests to the Transboundary Flood Initiative (TFI)
Shared Vision
The partners have created Balancing Principles to guide the analysis and implementation of mitigation options. The Balancing Principles are Lotse th’á:le, Lets’emó:t (One Heart One Mind): responsibility, foresight, safety, environment, sustenance and wellbeing.
Structure & Decision-Making
The framework includes three tables that work at different levels to develop solutions. Each table works together to address flooding concerns and ecosystem restoration.
leadership table
The Leadership Table has elected leaders of the six partners. This table:
steering committee
The Steering Committee has senior staff from the six partners. This committee:
technical table
The Technical Table has flood planners, experts, scientists and knowledge holders. This table:
Signed Agreement
Click below to download the Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Plan Agreement, signed by Sumas First Nation, Leqa:mel First Nation, Mathxwi First Nation, The City of Abbotsford, The City of Chilliwack, and The Province of British Columbia.
Documents
News Releases
Related Efforts
Feedback
If you have feedback on the SRWFMP, please contact your local First Nation or municipality.
