Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth during a recent provincial flood update. (Flickr/B.C. Government)

By Liam Verster

Flood Update

Province moving to recovery stage in flood emergency

Dec 6, 2021 | 1:12 PM

With the big storm system having passed over B.C., the provincial government is moving forward with recovery efforts.

The province says they will work in collaboration with local governments and First Nations, provincial crews, and the people affected by the flooding events to remove debris and damaged materials from affected communities.

“With weather conditions improving and flood waters receding dramatically in recent days, we are shifting to recovery and debris management work, which will be managed by contractors, non-government organizations, and a specialized contingent of B.C. Wildfire Service crews,” said Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth.

“There is much work that still needs to be done, and the province is ready to help.”

The minister encourages local governments to reach out to the province to request support in recovering from floods.

Air Conditioners for Seniors

Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat

6m ago

Election 2026

Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council

1h ago

Water Shut Off Response

Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage

20h ago

While the storms have passed, Farnworth said the province’s recovery efforts are still facing weather-related difficulties, including winter conditions and snowfall in many impacted communities. He asked that people be patient and listen to leaders from their local governments and First Nations for updates.

He added that the province wants to help communities build up better than before so they can be prepared to withstand any similar events in the future.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Armed Forces has started to withdraw members who were dispatched to B.C. to help with the flood mitigation efforts. A company of 126 members will remain in the Chilliwack area to support any life-safety work or emergency response needs until further notice.

Farnworth also stated Monday that, effective Dec. 15, flood support will be moved from being supported by local governments to being supported by the Red Cross with backing from the province.

“Nothing will change in the level of types of support received. The Red Cross has the required capacity and experience, the transition should be seamless, and I want to thank them for their ongoing work and support since this event began,” said Farnworth.

It was also noted that the TransMountain pipeline’s operations have improved, and though fuel continues to be brought in by rail and by barges, Farnworth said the fuel-use order in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island remains in effect until Dec. 14, as the province wants to “make sure everything is in place in both the TMX and the refining side.”

by Liam Verster

View Comments