City Taking Proactive Steps to Prepare for Storm Season and Advises Residents to be Ready

Maple Ridge, B.C., October 22, 2025 - With storm season underway, the City of Maple Ridge is taking proactive steps to strengthen local flood protection and is encouraging residents, particularly those living in the floodplain of the North and South Alouette rivers to be prepared.

Among the City’s new initiatives this year are two high-capacity sandbagging machines that allow crews to quickly fill and stock sandbags for distribution in flood-prone areas ahead of severe weather. The City has also deployed a new Hydrovac truck to clear debris from drainage systems, mailing a new Be Flood Ready guide to residents in flood-prone areas, and updating the City’s Flood Response Plan to reflect changing weather patterns building on lessons learned from past events.

“Last year’s storms showed how quickly conditions can change and highlighted the importance of being prepared,” said Mayor Ruimy. “We’ve reviewed our emergency and flood response plans and invested in infrastructure, including two new sandbag machines, to enhance our response capabilities. We’re asking residents to plan ahead by reviewing our Be Flood Ready Guide and preparing an emergency plan before the next storm hits.”

A new four-page Be Flood Ready guide is being mailed in early November to homes in North and South Alouette floodplain. The guide includes the City’s flood response plan and map, step-by-step instructions for what to do before, during and after a flood, and tips on creating an emergency plan. Residents are encouraged to download the Alert Maple Ridge app to receive emergency notifications.

The City is taking the following actions to reduce flood risks and ensure public safety:

• New Sandbag Machines and Enhanced Equipment: The City has purchased two new sandbagging machines to fill sandbags in advance and make them available to residents living in flood prone areas. Pick up locations will be announced on City’s social media channels or through emergency alerts. Continuing to deploy the City’s new Hydrovac truck to clear debris from drainage systems and prevent blockages.
• Proactive Mitigation: Clearing catch basins, culverts, and flushing storm mains to improve water flow during heavy rainfall.
• System Upgrades: Improving drainage, ditching and dredging in key watershed systems to increase capacity.
• Monitoring and Forecasting: Using the City’s FlowWorks network of gauges and hydrological sensors to monitor water levels in coordination with provincial and federal agencies.
• Planning and Coordination: Updating the City’s Flood Response Plan to reflect changing climate conditions and strengthening coordination with emergency and utility partners.
• Training and Public Education: Delivering emergency readiness training for City employees, developing a crisis communications plan and providing public education.

“These upgrades make our systems stronger and more responsive,” said Kirk McLeod, Manager of Sewers, Draining and Fleet. “Our crews have been working hard to strengthen infrastructure, improve drainage, and ensure our systems are ready to handle heavy rainfall and changing weather.”

What residents can do to stay safe

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and catch basins near your home to keep water moving.
• Avoid walking, cycling, or driving through flooded areas.
• Stay away from rivers, creeks during and after stormy conditions as banks may be unstable .
• Keep children and pets safe around fast-moving waters.
• Check on neighbours who may need assistance.
• Plan to stay with friends or family outside known floodplains in case of evacuation.
• Report downed trees, road debris, or blocked storm drains on City property at MapleRidge.ca/Report or call 604-463-9581 (24 hours).
• Stay at least 10 metres from any downed power lines and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO.
• Pre-Register for Provincial Emergency Support Services at: https://era-evacuees.embc.gov.bc.ca/registration-method

Sign up for free emergency ready workshop

Residents are invited to attend free Be Emergency Ready workshops at the Albion Community Centre (24165 104 Ave.) and the Maple Ridge Library (22470 Dewdney Trunk Rd.) to learn about flood preparedness, emergency kits, and creating a family emergency plan. Sign up at MapleRidge.ca/EP.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said Edd Bennett, the City’s Emergency Program Manager. “By taking critical steps, like clearing drains, reviewing a household plan, or attending a Be Emergency Ready workshop, residents can significantly reduce their risk and help keep our community safe.”

More ways to stay informed

• Download Alertable, a national emergency notification tool used by many B.C. communities, to receive real-time public safety alerts and advisories. Alertable - Emergency Alerts
• Learn more about flood preparedness and emergency planning at MapleRidge.ca/Flood or contact EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.