Call 778-797-8830 or email us for floodplain and foreshore construction guidelines and application processes.
Drainage, Flooding and Storm Sewers
2026 freshet
Monitoring continues, flood risk remains very low based on below average snowpack melt and respective creek flows, and seasonal, self-serve sandbag stations are not currently required. The public must remain cautious around creeks and waterways.
For flood emergencies, call 9-1-1.
For emergency updates, in the event of widespread flooding and recovery efforts, please visit coemergency.ca.
For urgent, non-life threatening drainage and flooding issues such as backed-up storm sewers, inundation from damaged hydrants and water flowing onto or off your property, call:
- 778-797-2225 - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
- 778-797-1000, Option 2 - afterhours.
More information
During freshet, crews remain ready to respond, property owners must be prepared, and the public must use caution near creeks and waterways.
If flooding is a concern, crews ready equipment and supplies and set up seasonal, self-serve sandbag stations for private property owners who live near watercourses to help them prepare. If flooding is not a concern, crews monitor and remain prepared to respond.
Building near creeks, floodplains and lakeshore
Trim vegetation and clear debris, ice and snow from culverts and drainage ditches around your home.
No chemicals are to be dumped.
Under Section 5.4 of the Good Neighbour Bylaw, residents must maintain culverts and drainage ditches.
For non-emergency culvert and drainage inquiries, call 778-797-2225 or email us.
Disaster Financial Assistance Program
Disaster Financial Assistance may be available for uninsured losses through B.C. Public Safety and Emergency Services.
Flood mitigation, recovery and repairs
Work in watercourses requires permits and proper procedures. Call 778-797-8830 or email us.
When required, crews set up seasonal, self-serve sandbag stations to help private property owners, who live near watercourses, prepare for freshet. Sand and sandbags are provided; residents must bring shovels, gloves and transports.
For information on being prepared, including recommended sandbag diking methods, visit PreparedBC.ca.
Storm drains: proper protection and use
Protect our environment!
- Never deposit trash or pour hazardous waste such as chemicals, cleaners, fuel, herbicides, oil, paints, pesticides or solvents into storm drains, ditches or culverts.
- Avoid using fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides around curbs and drains; clean up fertilizer that falls into drainage areas.
Peak flows must be maintained to keep water flowing effetively - keep ditches, culverts and storm drains clear:
- Never dispose garbage, garden waste, grass clippings, branches, leaves, mulch, cones and needles, sod, soil or other materials in ditches, culverts and drains to prevent clogging culverts and creating overflows.
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