Three options have been proposed to address flooding in the Hatzic watershed, each with different financial implications for both residents of the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) and the City of Mission.
The FVRD is seeking feedback on flood management options at an open house on Thursday (Feb. 5) at Dewdney Elementary from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An online option to leave comments is also open on FVRD’s Have Your Say platform through Friday (Feb. 6).
The three options for flood governance in the Hatzic watershed include maintaining the status quo, shifting management of flood infrastructure to the FVRD, or taking a coordinated approach with Leq’a:mel First Nation, the City of Mission, and the Dewdney Area Improvement District (DAID) that would introduce a yearly fee for those in the watershed.
According to the Hatzic Watershed Stewardship Team’s project overview package, funding from the 2021 atmospheric river is drying up and a well-organized system is needed for new grants.
“We’re seeking your thoughts on all three options — how they might work, and what matters most to you. You’ll see more detail on Option 3 because it’s newer and different, and it has been the main focus of recent Hatzic Watershed Stewardship Team’s engagement. All options are on the table,” the FVRD said.
The boundaries are not officially set but FVRD Area F comprises over 50 per cent of the watershed, while Area G makes up almost 30 per cent and the City of Mission 20 per cent, according to the project overview.
If an option gains general support, the FVRD board can move forward to a referendum to seek elector approval for the funding area, method, responsibilities, and governance approach.
“Your feedback today helps shape what moves forward and whether a formal vote will be considered,” the project overview reads.
According to the overview, no decisions have been made and all options are under consideration.
Options to keep status quo, transfer responsibility or coordinate
The first option keeps DAID operating in its current form with the same funding methods and responsibilities.
“Maintaining the current Improvement District model requires the lowest level of effort by all parties, and results in no changes to taxation or fee structures,” the project overview reads.
The second option transfers DAID’s assets, responsibilities, and funding to the FVRD.
“Converting to a regional service would draw on the FVRD’s region’s professional staff, engineering expertise, and stronger administrative systems. This model would also better connect flood management with related areas like land use, development, and communications, and increase eligibility for grants to help fund future upgrades,” the overview reads.
FVRD would update the service to align with its flood policy. The overview notes levies would gradually rise because “current taxes are unsustainable”.
The third option also converts DAID to an FVRD service but adds a second, partnership-driven service area to cover the full Hatzic watershed.
Possible watershed-wide levy anticipated at $75 per property
Under the third option, residents now paying DAID taxes would continue to do so with gradual increases, in addition to an estimated $75 levy in the first year for each of the 2,200 properties in the watershed. The watershed-wide levy would not vary based on property values.
While the DAID fee would be collected by FVRD under the third option, it would still only apply to areas directly protected by flood infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the watershed-wide levy would got towards monitoring, data collection, and land stewardship.
“Current flood protection taxes focus on local infrastructure, which makes it very difficult to address the upstream issues that contribute to flooding in the valley. A broader, watershed-wide approach allows everyone — including those within the DAID area — to contribute to solutions that reduce downstream impacts and support other flood mitigation benefits,” the overview reads.
Partnership among FVRD, Leq’a:mel, and City of Mission
The coordinated approach wouldn’t result in a new organization, but would comprise of a new FVRD flood protection service for Hatzic, including part of Mission; a governance and services agreement with Leq’a:mel outlining mutual commitments; and an interim arrangement with DAID, ensuring uninterrupted service during the transition.
“By expanding to the whole watershed, local and regional partners can work together to identify risks earlier and plan improvements that reduce damages before they occur. Collaboration with Leq’á:mel’s Guardians Program and the City of Mission would strengthen coordination, monitoring, and access to grants, supporting a more proactive and cooperative approach to flood management at a watershedwide level,” the overview states.
However, the overview also notes that developing shared governance could be complex and time intensive.
The third option allows for formal collaboration with Leq’a:mel and its land guardian program, which is partly funded by other levels of government. The overview notes the importance of Indigenous leadership and knowledge of the land being included in flood governance moving forward.
“This collaboration reflects a substantial in-kind contribution to knowledge, resource management and stewardship— valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. To keep this support, clear agreements and services need to be in place,” the overview states.
Province asks for review of flood governance
The three options come after the FVRD received a grant from the province to undertake a review of flood management leadership and organization in the Hatzic watershed.
The Hatzic Watershed Stewardship Team – which features FVRD, Leq’a:mel, Mission, DAID and representatives from provincial ministries – chose an approach to assess, plan, and implement a path forward informed by public feedback.
According to the project overview, the current approach isn’t working. Increased flooding in the Hatzic Valley coupled with the atmospheric river event in 2021 showed the demand for more coordinated flood management, the stewardship team said.
Lack of funds, coordination hinders response
A lack of coordination in leadership has led to delays, service gaps, and inconsistent responses across the watershed, per the overview package.
The area’s multi-jurisdictional complexities and lack of clear roles and coordination was identified in the 2020 Hatzic Lake Management Plan. The plan has been “tricky to put into action.”
“No one group has had the power or resources to fully carry out the recommendations in this management plan,” the project page reads.
The current scope of DAID — which has managed flood infrastructure in the Hatzic Valley since the ‘60s — no longer reflects the needs of property owners and flood systems, per the report.
Currently, DAID manages lake levels, pump stations, and other essential flood protection infrastructure for the Hatzic Valley.
“The funds raised through local flood taxes are not enough to keep up with maintenance or prepare for larger future events. While a single agency can design and deliver a limited flood service, effective flood management requires many parties working together in an organized and formalized way,” the report states.
According to the project overview, collaboration can lead to real progress.
“Decades of studies haven’t solved the problem because no one is set up to act on them. A better partnership model—with clear leadership and accountability—will help us move from recommendations to real results.”
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