Chilliwack flood victims accept delivery sandbagging services

As the rain continues to fall on Metro Vancouver, people are sandbagging their homes and properties to keep floodwaters at bay.

Chris O’Connor, owner of a repair shop in Chilliwack called Iron Horse Mechanical, has been busy delivering hundreds of sandbags to those who need them.

“I’ve got a trailer sitting at home loaded with 500 sandbags, so if somebody calls and says their basement is starting to be overtaken by water or for preventative sandbagging, they just call and we’re on the road immediately,” he said. “If I’m not there, I’ve got another truck or two that can go pick it up, deliver sandbags, and help spread the bags out.”

While their National Guard is supporting sandbagging in their county, this water is expected to enter into the west side of the Sumas Prairie near Huntingdon Village on Sunday.
We will continue to update the City of Abbotsford website & social channels throughout the weekend.

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) November 27, 2021

He says people in the community, as well as members of the military, came together to fill the bags over the last few days.

“Since this flood happened, I don’t think I’ve heard anything negative. This whole community — the whole Fraser Valley, whether they’re friends or enemies — has pulled together to help each other out, and it’s amazing to see,” he said. “It’s a really good feeling, and it also has made everybody’s attitudes and feelings stronger, which is good.”

---

Related Articles:

• Abbotsford ‘as ready as can be’ for incoming storms, mayor says

• Feds, B.C. form joint committee to coordinate flood recovery efforts

• Red Cross issuing flood affected households $2,000, B.C. braces for next weather event

---

About 500 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are in B.C. as part of federal support for flood victims in the province.

Although he’s in Mission, O’Connor has plenty of sandbags ready to go in Chilliwack for residents who need them.

The Canadian Armed Forces is currently supporting sandbagging the rail line to help protect this area. If you live in the Huntingdon area, sandbagging support for your homes is available at Huntingdon Park.
Sandbags are also available to the general public at Albert Dyck Park.

— City of Abbotsford (@City_Abbotsford) November 27, 2021

“Basically there are some houses that are flooding, and they’re sending requests about needing help through different Facebook groups and through calling me directly,” said O’Connor.

Sandbagging efforts will likely continue until water levels recede and heavy rainfall stops. It’s uncertain when that time will come, as B.C. braces for another storm.

Members of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) Regiment continue to assist the local community of Princeton, BC by filling and sandbagging critical infrastructure, and reinforcing riverbanks, part of Operation LENTUS. pic.twitter.com/BZubtdj6LS

— MARPAC-JTFP / FMARP-FOIP (@MARPAC_FMARP) November 26, 2021

On Friday night, Justin Trudeau visited Abbotsford with B.C. Premier John Horgan to reaffirm the provincial and federal government’s commitment to supporting the people devastated by flooding and other extreme weather events. He also announced a joint committee between the feds and province which will oversee disaster response.