Other Regional Work

Here are highlights of some of FBC's past work in the Fraser Valley.

Community Dialogues | Sustainability Snapshot 2010 |  Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy | Flood Management | Fraser River Debris Trap | Gravel Management | Celebration of Community

Community Dialogues

Respectful dialogue is key to good working relationships.

Community to Community (C2C) Forums, hosted by local governments and First Nations, with support from the Union of BC Municipalities and First Nations Summit, are a good example of what’s possible. The C2C forums began in 1997 and have opened the door to more supportive, neighbourly relationships between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal leaders, and opportunities to work together.

The Fraser Basin Council has facilitated several C2C forums, including in the Fraser Valley.

For more information on the UBCM Community to Community Forums, visit the UBCM website.

Sustainability Snapshot 2010

Sustainability Snapshot 2010: Working Together in the Lower Mainland is an FBC report on key measures of social, economic and environmental health in the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and Squamish-Lillooet. While doing well on many fronts, these communities are also grappling with the pressures of population growth, coupled with high levels of consumption, waste and pollution, and certain social and economic disparities.

For the data, and examples of community work, see Sustainability Snapshot 2010.

Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy

In 2009 a collaboration of federal, provincial and local government agencies, First Nations and community groups completed a report and recommendations for a new Chilliwack River Watershed Strategy. The work of the strategy team was aimed at creating a common understanding of the watershed and its values, through science and local knowledge, to assist decision-makers, increase public awareness and identify stewardship opportunities.

FBC facilitated the team meetings and work plan. Read on for a full description and links to the report.

Flood Management

Living alongside the mighty Fraser River and its tributaries means living with the risk of flood. Fraser Valley communities know of this vulnerability, having suffered two major floods — the Fraser flood of record in 1894 and another massive flood in 1948 — as well as less serious, but more frequent, localized flooding on tributaries.

The Fraser Basin Council has often supported authorities in flood management projects. These include work on a new hydraulic model of the Lower Fraser (which led to a new provincial design profile for dike construction on the Fraser), digital floodplain mapping, GPS dike surveys, flood gauge installations and a BC Flood Forum to share lessons learned. We also issued a report on environmental protection in flood works. For details and a look at current projects, see Flood Management.

Fraser Valley Debris Trap

The Fraser River debris trap is a floating facility between Hope and Agassiz that corrals uprooted trees and wood debris into a side channel where they can be chipped for hog fuel. The trap helps protect Lower Fraser River communities from large volumes of wood debris coming downstream during spring high waters and avoids an estimated $8 million a year in costs of clean up and repairs.

For 12 years FBC worked with a multi-party committee to oversee the Fraser River Debris Trap and to secure annual funding commitments for its operation, primarily from federal and provincial authorities. The Province of BC and Port Metro Vancouver made a long-term commitment to fund and operate the trap, beginning April 2011.

Gravel Management

Over 285,000 m³  of gravel and sand is deposited by the Fraser River each year in the stretch between Hope and Mission. Gravel offers valuable fish habitat, but can also contribute to navigation problems and flood risk. Between 1999 and 2004, the Fraser Basin Council facilitated a process for federal and provincial authorities and other interests to discuss river gravel management. In 2004 those authorities reached a five-year agreement on gravel removal, information and monitoring requirements, and decision-making timelines. Emergency Management BC (BC Ministry of Justice) administers this program.

Celebration of Community

Each September the Mission Celebration of Community brings together residents, visitors and community organizations to learn, share and celebrate together. FBC chaired the event between 2000 and 2010, in partnership with the District of Mission Parks and Recreation and the Mission Association for Community Living.

What began as a small family picnic blossomed into a major event. It now continues to draw thousands to the Fraser River Heritage Park, overlooking the banks of the Fraser River, on such themes as stewardship, multiculturalism and inclusion. A joyful mix of music, dance, games and food, the celebration is also known for its showcase on local agricultural products and cuisine, displays on community services (over 140 booths), and opportunities to explore volunteer work. Above all, the point is to come, participate and have fun!