Maple Ridge completes flood preparations and urges residents to get ready for storm season

As fall storm season begins, the City of Maple Ridge has completed flood-preparedness activities and drainage improvements, and is urging residents to prepare for possible flooding. Over the summer, crews maintained priority areas, including along McKenney Creek and the Alouette River, to support stormwater management and improve water flow. Work included ditching and skimming, clearing culverts and catch basins, flushing storm mains, and removing blockages, accumulated debris and sediment. The city has also updated its Flood Response Plan and continues to monitor water levels and weather through a network of gauges and hydrological sensors.

Edd Bennett, emergency program manager, said storms can develop quickly and preparation makes a real difference. City crews have completed important work to improve drainage and strengthen readiness for heavy rain. The city is asking residents, especially those living near the North and South Alouette rivers, to take practical steps now to prepare their homes and families. Its preparedness work also includes employee training, updated crisis communications procedures and emergency-preparedness information for residents.

Residents can reduce risks around their homes and neighbourhoods by clearing leaves and debris from gutters and nearby catch basins to keep water moving; avoiding walking, cycling or driving through flooded areas; and staying away from rivers and creeks during and after storms, when banks may be unstable. The city also advises keeping children and pets away from fast-moving water, checking on neighbours who may need help, and planning to stay with friends or family outside known floodplains in case of an evacuation.

Report downed trees, road debris or blocked storm drains on city property at MapleRidge.ca/Report or by calling 604-463-9581, available 24 hours. Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO. Residents can pre-register for Provincial Emergency Support Services at era-evacuees.embc.gov.bc.ca/registration-method.

The city has moved its emergency notifications to Alertable, a national emergency notification tool used by communities across B.C. Residents and businesses that previously received city emergency alerts through the city website or the Voyent Alert app must sign up at MapleRidge.ca/Alert to keep receiving city-issued alerts and local instructions about floods, fires, earthquakes, severe weather, evacuation notices and other hazards. More information on flood preparedness and emergency planning is available at MapleRidge.ca/Flood or from EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.