Langley Township will receive just over $1.1 million in provincial funding to help prevent future floods, like those caused during the 2021 atmospheric rivers.
The funding from Victoria will be spent on two projects, one in the Aldergrove area, and one in Walnut Grove.
Floodplain mapping of Bertrand Creek, which flows through downtown Aldergrove, is intended to help understand the long-term effects of climate change on the river. There was localized flooding around the river during the heavy rains of 2021.
The mapping will also allow the Township to propose changes to its flood control guidelines within local zoning regulations.
The larger of the two projects is $1 million for slope stabilization for East and West Munday Creek, in the Walnut Grove area.
Those creeks also saw localized flooding during the atmospheric rivers.
Stabilization at three locations is aimed at preventing slope destabilization, which could damage homes and other private property near the creeks. The East Munday Creek project will also allow a pedestrian bridge to be repaired, fully re-opening a section of trail to the public.
“The effects of extreme weather from the past few years, especially from 2021’s atmospheric river, are still fresh in our memory,” said Megan Dykeman, MLA for Langley-East. “These stabilization projects along Munday creek will help lower the risk to people and homes in Walnut Grove and make the area more resilient to future emergencies.”
The money comes from a $39-million provincial fund going to 50 local governments and First Nations across B.C.