Municipal Hall

April 11, 2007 / 12:00 AM

The District of Maple Ridge has commenced work on dikes located in the Albion area after having received official notification of its successful application of over $2 million for dike improvements.

"We are extremely pleased that our application was approved by the Provincial Government," said Mayor Robson. "The support of the Province is essential for the repairs and upgrades to take place so that we have a better chance at minimizing the threat of spring flooding. We also need to thank Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Randy Hawes for his efforts in helping us to secure this funding."

Maple Ridge was approved for a total of $2,085,000 to undertake three projects. Rehabilitating the Albion Dike alone will cost $1,710,000 while repairing the pump station at the foot of Dock Street and completing work on the east bank of Kanaka Creek near the Fraser River will amount to $375,000. The District has contracted Double M Excavating Ltd. to complete all three projects by the middle of May. The initial work of preparing the dikes will take place this week while heavy equipment required to move materials will be on site the following week. The company will strengthen and widen the dike top and fill in low spots.

Communities up and down the Fraser River are readying themselves for what might be one of the heaviest flood events in recent memory depending in large part on spring weather conditions. Staff at the District have been working with other communities and agencies preparing for what they hope in the end will be a non-event.