BusinessTRACK Mission Chamber of Commerce connect • influence • prosper
Moving Closer to Fraser River Sustainability With a history of advocating for the improved management of the Fraser River, the Mission Regional Chamber has long advocated for an interjurisdictional approach. The Fraser Basin Council has a new initiative that begins that process starting with flood management. The Lower Mainland Flood Management Strategy is being developed to better protect communities along the lower Fraser River and coast – from Hope to Richmond and from Squamish to White Rock. An inter-jurisdictional initiative, its partners have responsibilities or interests that relate to flood management: the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, 25 local governments, and other entities in the region, including those focused on transportation systems, agriculture and business. The Fraser Basin Council serves as program manager and facilitator of the process. The District of Mission, while not contributing directly, will participate regionally through the Fraser Valley Regional District. The Flood Management Strategy will identify opportunities to strengthen flood management policies and practices as well as flood protection works across the Lower Mainland. An integrated, collaborative approach to flood protection is critically important, given the flood risks that
ber of Commerce applauds the Fraser Basin Council for its work and the intent of this initiative.
Lower Mainland communities face and that a major flood would have serious social, economic and environmental consequences for the entire region. To better understand the economic scope of managing the lower Fraser River, the Mission Chamber, in partnership with 13 other Boards of Trade and Chambers in the Lower Mainland, contributed to economic analysis of the region. The study noted that the lower Fraser River supports the largest port in Canada, Port Metro and the River’s function rivals that of the St. Lawrence Seaway. There is over $50 billion worth of development in its floodplain not including the $1.6 billion in farm receipts generated in the area (62% of the provincial output). A flood in the region could have devastating consequences as over
50% of BC’s population live and work in the region. The study recommends that an inter-jurisdictional strategy that is appropriately funded by government be developed to manage the Fraser River from flooding to transportation and long range planning. The Fraser Valley has experienced two major Fraser River floods of record, the largest in 1894 and the second largest in 1948. Most of the flood protection works in place today were constructed by the federalprovincial Fraser River Flood Control Program between 1968 and 1995. In 2006, modeling showed the system to be too low and as the region faced a significant threat in 2007, communities gained access to provincial funding for dike upgrades and other urgent flood protection projects. While flood protection has been in-
creased in specific areas more work is required to address region-wide vulnerabilities. Raising dykes in one area impacts the hydrology of the river and creates further challenges downstream. The development of a common strategy will help all Lower Mainland decisionmakers identify and address knowledge gaps, identify priorities, coordinate efforts, avoid duplication, and ensure that flood protection strategies in one area will not have unintended adverse impacts for neighbouring communities. Recognizing that all communities are interdependent in the face of flood, the emphasis is on developing strategies that protect the entire region, including a plan to prioritize, fund and implement flood protection actions. The Mission Regional Cham-
Seniors “We were delighted when Swing Optical Full Eye said they could craft our Exam favourite sunglasses into $20 prescription eyewear.” With BC Medical Card. 65 years or older. Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Se
s ar
604-820-1112
rvin ye g Mi ssion for over 25 #2 - 33 33231 First Avenue Downtown Mission
Fashion Eyewear • Fully Licensed Opticians • Contact Lenses • Sunglasses
w w w. m i s s i o n c h a m b e r. b c . c a
To learn more about this the Fraser Basin Council’s Lower Fraser Flood Management Strategy and the value of this collaborative effort attend the Chamber luncheon on Thursday, September 18 in the Mission Best Western Chapel room. where Steve Litke, Senior Manager of the Fraser Basin Council is the guest speaker. Steve has worked with the Fraser Basin Council since 1998 and is the Senior Manager responsible for the Council’s Watersheds and Water Resources Program, which includes Flood Hazard Management. In this capacity he has facilitated numerous inter-jurisdictional committees; managed technical projects including flood modeling and mapping and served on several advisory committees. In 2013 FBC prepared a Business Plan to develop a Regional Flood Management Strategy for the Lower Mainland. Implementation of phase 1 is being undertaken in 2014 and 2015. For more info go to www.MissionChamber.bc.ca 3 unique businesses in one location.
Dr. Lyndon Balisky, Optometrist • Laser consultation • Contact lens fitting
Book Your Eye Health Examination Today 604-820-1112
Located inside Swing Optical
Please call for your free hearing test
604-557-9972 or 604.820.1112
www.swingoptical.com