Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam to establish joint flood mitigation program

Coquitlam, British Columbia, August 15, 2024 — Communities in the Lower Mainland are coming together to complete flood improvements along the confluence of the lower Coquitlam River and the Fraser River after a joint investment of more than $19.9 million from the federal and provincial governments, Kwikwetlem First Nation, and Coquitlam.

This was announced by MP Ron McKinnon, MLA Rick Glumac, Councillor John Peters, and Mayor Richard Stewart.

With rising water levels and increased rainfall due to climate change, the flooding risk is increasing for slakəyánc IR1, the regional transportation network, Mayfair Industrial Park in Coquitlam, and within ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park. Through this project, the Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam will upgrade the area’s existing flood protection network and construct enhanced dikes. The project will also strengthen fish habitat and install new flood boxes to support water connectivity through the dike and local drainage system and to prevent back flow.