Maple Ridge prepares for fall storms, warns residents of flood risks

Maple Ridge is preparing for the fall storm season with drainage maintenance, an updated flood response plan and expanded monitoring, while urging residents to take precautions against heavy rain and potential flooding.

The city said crews spent the summer carrying out maintenance in priority areas, including along McKenney Creek and the Alouette River, to improve water flow and stormwater management. 

The work included clearing culverts and catch basins, flushing storm mains, ditching and removing debris and sediment that could contribute to blockages.

“Storms can develop quickly, and preparation makes a real difference,” Emergency Program Manager Edd Bennett said in an Oct. 1 release.

Bennett said residents living near the North and South Alouette rivers in particular should take steps to prepare their homes and families for the possibility of flooding. 

Along with the drainage work, Maple Ridge has updated its Flood Response Plan and is using its FlowWorks network of gauges and hydrological sensors to monitor water levels and conditions.

The city said it is coordinating monitoring and forecasting with provincial and federal partners, while also providing employee training and refining its crisis communications procedures. 

Maple Ridge also has sandbagging equipment available to prepare sandbags for residents in flood-prone areas when necessary. A city Hydrovac truck can be deployed to clear debris from drainage systems and prevent blockages.

If sandbags are required, pickup locations will be announced through the city’s social media channels and emergency alerts. 

“Our crews have been focused on maintaining and improving the infrastructure that moves water through our community,” said Kirk McLeod, the city’s manager of sewers, drainage and fleet.

McLeod said removing debris and sediment, maintaining channels and stabilizing banks where necessary can improve river flow and reduce the risk to nearby homes, roads, utilities and other infrastructure.

Residents are being encouraged to clear leaves and debris from gutters and catch basins near their homes and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flooded areas.

The city is also warning people to stay away from rivers and creeks during and after storms because banks may be unstable, and to keep children and pets away from fast-moving water.

Residents living in known floodplains are encouraged to make arrangements to stay with friends or family elsewhere in the event of an evacuation. Downed trees, road debris and blocked storm drains on city property can be reported to the city. 

The preparedness push comes as Maple Ridge changes the system it uses to distribute emergency warnings.

As of Oct. 1, the city has moved its emergency notifications to Alertable, a national notification system used by communities across B.C.

Residents and businesses who previously received Maple Ridge emergency alerts through the city’s website or Voyent Alert app will have to sign up for Alertable to continue receiving local warnings and instructions.

The system will be used for emergencies including floods, fires, earthquakes, severe weather and evacuation notices.

Maple Ridge is also holding free emergency preparedness workshops this fall. The sessions focus on earthquake preparedness, although the city says the information can also help residents prepare for floods, severe weather and extended power outages.

The remaining sessions are scheduled for Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Public Library. Registration is required.