Home / Environment / Fishtrap Creek Faces $63M Overhaul for Health
Fishtrap Creek Faces $63M Overhaul for Health
14 May
Summary
- Fishtrap Creek watershed faces a $63.3 million upgrade plan.
- The watershed is in poor to fair health, risking wildlife.
- Major underground work on culverts will cost $41 million.
Abbotsford city council has committed to a substantial 25-year, $63.3 million upgrade plan for the Fishtrap Creek watershed. An assessment revealed the watershed, a vital area on the city's west side, is in "poor to fair" health. This deterioration is attributed to a lack of vegetation, outdated drainage infrastructure, and accumulated sediment, which endanger fish and wildlife.
The comprehensive upgrade plan prioritizes significant underground work, including culvert improvements and sediment clearing, amounting to $41 million over the next five years. This extensive effort aims to mitigate localized flooding caused by blockages and beaver dams. City officials emphasized that much of this crucial work will be invisible to the public but is essential for preventing future issues like increased flooding and erosion.
Funding for these capital projects will be secured through a combination of capital funds, development cost charges, and grants. The full timeline for these projects is contingent upon the completion of Abbotsford's drainage master plan, which is expected to be finalized in approximately two years. Without these interventions, the watershed's condition is predicted to worsen, leading to escalating costs and environmental degradation.
