Sumas River Watershed Flood Mitigation Planning Initiative

A collaborative, multi-government framework

Governance and Natural Resources

“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:

    • Identify and pursue actions for flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration
    • Use the partners’ combined efforts to achieve mutual benefits in the spirit of reconciliation
    • Work with affected communities, the media, stakeholders, and other governments in a respectful manner
    • Plan for the effects of climate change, especially variable and extreme flooding conditions

    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:

    • Meets twice a year to oversee the SRWFMP framework
    • Directs the Steering Committee on the SRWFMP scope, mandate, and strategy
    • Develops and approves joint communications
    • Resolves disputes

    steering committee

    The Steering Committee has senior staff from the six partners. This committee:

    • Meets twice a month to guide the flood plan’s creation
    • Sets priorities, milestones, and evaluates progress toward project goals
    • Forms working groups to draft proposals and work products
    • Directs research conducted by the Technical Table
    • Builds shared understanding among the partners
    • Suggests ways to align flood mitigation activities with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

    technical table

    The Technical Table has flood planners, experts, scientists and knowledge holders. This table:

    • Meets twice a month to develop work plans
    • Responds to technical questions from the Steering Committee
    • Creates technical working groups to research and plan
    • Coordinates information sharing between SRWFMP and recovery efforts

    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.

    Download Agreement

    Documents

    News Releases

    Related Efforts

    Feedback

    If you have feedback on the SRWFMP, please contact your local First Nation or municipality.