The area along the will be closely watched by 91原创 Township staff as the annual spring freshet approaches. While numerous precautions are being taken and a comprehensive plan is in place, it is not expected that the rising water will pose a problem to north 91原创 communities this year.

However, if it does, there will be advance warning and the public will be kept well informed.

鈥淔looding is the worst case scenario, and right now we are far away from even a danger of that happening,鈥� said Township manager of roads and drainage Terry Veer. 鈥淗owever, we are closely monitoring the situation and should that change, we have a plan in place, as we do every year.鈥�

Although water levels as of late last week were at 3.2 metres, the Township is consulting with provincial and diking authorities and local emergency services to ensure preparations are made in well in advance. On Tuesday, May 15, Fire Chief Stephen Gamble and 91原创 RCMP Sgt. Tom James joined 91原创 Emergency Co-ordinator Ginger Sherlock and Township engineering staff for a tour of the dikes and infrastructure designed to prevent the Fraser River from overflowing its banks.

Every year, a freshet occurs in late May and early June when snow packs on the mountains melt and the water runs off into  rivers. Earlier this month, snow packs on the mountains draining into the Fraser River Basin were determined to be 129 per cent higher than average. But that is less than the elevated snow pack levels experienced in 2007, which caused heightened concern but did not result in flooding in 91原创.

鈥淚t all depends on the weather,鈥� said Township manager of water resources and environment Kevin Larsen. 鈥淚f there are extended periods of very high temperatures or wet weather, the water level will rise more quickly. If the snow pack melts consistently over the next month and a half, there should not be a problem. We can鈥檛 predict the future but we are ready for whatever comes.鈥�

The Township has a multi-phased flood response plan that is guided by reports from the provincial Ministry of Environment.

Right now, resources and the roles of various personnel are being reviewed, preliminary inspections of the dikes are being undertaken, and remedial work is being done.

As well, the river level is remotely monitored through a sensor that is continuously observed by Township staff.

Weekly dike patrols will be implemented when the river level rises to 4.9 metres on the upstream gauge at Mission.

They will increase to daily patrols at 5.5 metres. Should the water rise to 6.7 metres, dikes will be patrolled 24 hours a day.

As the freshet progresses, residents are encouraged to visit the Township鈥檚 website at tol.ca for more information.

In the unlikely event that the river overflows, the Township will activate its Information Hotline at (604) 514-HELP (4357).

Recorded messages will be provided on a regular basis to keep residents up-to-date on the situation and informed about what is to be expected.

Bedford Landing protected

From elevated flood construction levels to the installation of pump stations, a number of measures have been built into Bedford Landing to protect the new Fort 91原创 community from potential flooding.

And as a higher than normal snow pack increases the potential for on the Fraser River, 91原创 Township is carefully monitoring the situation and has comprehensive flood plans and practices in place.

In 2006, in preparation for future home construction, Bedford Landing鈥檚 ground level was raised to meet flood construction levels established by the province of B.C.

As well, the 200-year flood construction level in Bedford Landing was raised to exceed the highest water levels that can be expected every two centuries, following a study completed by the Ministry of Environment in 2007. The area鈥檚 geodetic elevation, or height above sea level, was raised from the previous 6.60 meters to the current 7.57 metres, including a 鈥渇reeboard鈥� (safety factor) of .6 metres.

The finished ground level of Bedford Landing ranges from geodetic elevations of 7.5 to 8.5 metres, with basement elevations of homes ranging between 6.60 to 7.85 metres.

Bedford Landing homes were built to meet provincial flood protection regulations and standards applicable at time of development.

Due to the increase in flood construction levels, new pump stations were installed at two locations to provide Bedford Landing with further flood protection.

As well, plants, rip-rap armouring (rocks), and mechanical equipment such as flap gates at drainage pipe outlets were installed to ensure proper functioning of the storm sewer system and protect the integrity of river bank.