Maple Ridge, B.C., October 1, 2026 - As fall storm season begins, the City of Maple Ridge has completed a range of flood-preparedness and drainage improvements and is encouraging residents to take steps now to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
Over the summer, City crews completed maintenance work in priority areas across Maple Ridge, including along McKenney Creek and the Alouette River, to support stormwater management and improve water flow. Work included ditching and skimming, clearing culverts and catch basins, flushing storm mains, and removing blockages, accumulated debris and sediment. The City has also updated its Flood Response Plan and continues to monitor water levels and weather conditions through its FlowWorks network of gauges and hydrological sensors.
“Storms can develop quickly, and preparation makes a real difference,” said Edd Bennett, Emergency Program Manager. “City crews completed important work to improve drainage and strengthen our readiness for the heavy rains ahead. We are asking residents, especially those living near the North and South Alouette rivers, to take a few practical steps now to prepare their homes and families.”
The City’s flood preparedness work includes:
- Drainage maintenance and improvements: Clearing catch basins and culverts, flushing storm mains, and completing ditching work to improve water flow during heavy rainfall.
- Flood-risk reduction: Removing debris and sediment and maintaining key drainage infrastructure in priority areas.
- Monitoring and forecasting: Using the City’s FlowWorks network to monitor water levels and conditions in coordination with provincial and federal partners, available at MapleRidge.ca/FlowWorks
- Planning and coordination: Updating the City’s Flood Response Plan and strengthening coordination with emergency, utility and other response partners.
- Training and public education: Providing employee training, refining crisis communications procedures and offering emergency-preparedness information for residents.
- Response Equipment: Using sandbagging equipment to prepare sandbags for residents in flood-prone areas when needed, and deploying the City’s Hydrovac truck to clear debris from drainage systems and help prevent blockages. Sandbag pickup locations, if required, will be shared through the City’s social media channels and emergency alerts.
“Our crews have been focused on maintaining and improving the infrastructure that moves water through our community,” said Kirk McLeod, Manager of Sewers, Drainage and Fleet. “Removing debris and sediment, maintaining channels and addressing bank stabilization where needed helps improve river flow, reduce flood risk and protect nearby homes, roads, utilities and other critical infrastructure.”
What residents can do now
Residents can help reduce risks around their homes and neighbourhoods by:
- Clearing leaves and debris from gutters and catch basins near your home to keep water moving
- Avoiding walking, cycling, or driving through flooded areas.
- Staying away from rivers, creeks during and after stormy conditions as banks may be unstable
- Keeping children and pets safe around fast-moving waters.
- Checking on neighbours who may need assistance
- Planning to stay with friends or family outside known floodplains in case of evacuation.
- Reporting downed trees, road debris, or blocked storm drains on City property at MapleRidge.ca/Report or call 604-463-9581 (24 hours)
- Staying at least 10 metres from any downed power lines and call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO.
- Pre-Registering for Provincial Emergency Support Services at: https://era-evacuees.embc.gov.bc.ca/registration-method
Free emergency ready workshop
This year, the City is offering a new series of emergency preparedness workshops focused on earthquake readiness. The practical information shared can help residents prepare for many types of emergencies, including floods, severe weather and extended power outages. All sessions will be held in the Fraser Room at the Public Library, 22470 Dewdney Trunk Road.
- Monday Oct. 5, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 26, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 pm.
Workshops are free but registration is required at MapleRidge.ca/EmergencyReadiness.
Stay informed
As of October 1, the City has transitioned its emergency notifications to Alertable, a national emergency notification tool used by communities across British Columbia. Residents and businesses that previously received City emergency alerts through the City website or Voyent Alert app must sign up for Alertable at Maple Ridge.ca/Alert to continue receiving City-issued emergency alerts and localized instructions related to floods, fires, earthquakes, severe weather, evacuation notices and other hazards.
Learn more about flood preparedness and emergency planning at MapleRidge.ca/Flood or contact EmergencyProgram@MapleRidge.ca.
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T: 604-466-4319 C: 778-955-4249 E: Media@MapleRidge.ca