A combined investment of more than $9.8 million will not only create drainage infrastructure improvements to enhance stormwater quality in Semiahmoo Bay and manage flooding along Marine Drive in White Rock, British Columbia, but also deepen the partnership with a local First Nation.
The Marine Drive Stormwater Improvements project includes the installation of nearly two kilometres of new stormwater pipe, the design and construction of a new pump station, the removal of existing aging infrastructure, and improvements to water quality at the outfall.
“The City of White Rock is proud to invest in this critical upgrade to our stormwater infrastructure,” announced White Rock Mayor Megan Knight. “By taking action today, we’re helping protect homes, businesses and natural ecosystems from the growing impacts of climate change. This investment strengthens our city’s resilience and reflects our commitment to building a safer, more sustainable future for everyone who calls White Rock home.”
The project also aims to enhance stormwater quality to preserve biodiversity and support the overall health of Semiahmoo Bay.
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
The latest environmental engineering news direct to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
During flooding events in recent years, White Rock crews would remove drain covers to speed up the draining process. Local officials are currently working on updating the Drainage Master Plan.
White Rock’s current $320-million drainage network receives runoff from a total catchment area of 772 hectares, of which 229 hectares come from the City of Surrey. The majority of storm sewers discharge directly into Semiahmoo Bay or to Little Campbell River through piped outfalls or culvert crossings along Marine Drive; the rest discharges to Surrey at Stayte Road and 136th Street. There are approximately 100 km of storm sewers (with pipe sizes ranging from 100 mm to 1,325 mm), 1,821 catch basins, 1,179 manholes, 1,620 metres of ditches, and 1,872 metres of streams maintained.
To make the new stormwater project a reality, the City of White Rock and Semiahmoo First Nation formed a Drainage Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen government-to-government relationships and advance collaborative infrastructure planning.
Knight called the MOU not only a “step forward in infrastructure” but a “step forward in partnership.” She added, “We are committed to working with the Semiahmoo First Nation in the spirit of respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility.”
Semiahmoo First Nation Chief Harley Chappell, added, “this agreement reflects our Nation’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations. We value the opportunity to work alongside the City of White Rock on projects that honour our shared priorities and build trust between our governments.”
