A flood warning in our territory has activated an Emergency Operations Centre to support our Community.
Close to 40 Community Members have been evacuated from Cheakmus in the Squamish Valley due to flooding risks. Door-to-door contact was made with Community Members impacted by the flooding, and anyone at risk of being cut off from a closure of the Fergie’s Bridge Fergie’s Bridge (the Squamish Valley Road bridge). Residents were directed to the Evacuee Reception Centre at Totem Hall.
Our Community Safety Team is in the area, working with Squamish Valley Operations and in conjunction with our People Services supports. Work includes sandbagging in vulnerable areas near the Cheakamus River.
The Safety Team continues to monitoring communities, structures and river levels.
We will continue to update this post as information changes.
Here are the important contacts:
For flooding concerns, our Public Safety Line is available 24/7 at 604-982-9938 or by email at public_safety@squamish.net.
Additionally, the 24/7 Public Safety Line can connect Members to People Service’s support, including our community outreach and crisis response team.
Sign up: For emergency alerts, at Squamish Nation’s Voyent Alert! at https://www.squamish.net/stay-connected/voyent-alert/.
Call 9-1-1 for all emergencies, or for downed power lines.
Here are the closed and flooded roads:
Paradise Valley Road is closed at the Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge.
Squamish Valley Road is closed at the Pilchuck Bailey Bridge.
Caution should be exercised around Lewis Drive and Moody Lane, where water levels continue to rise. Other Squamish Nation residential roads remain open but be cautious around all flood water.
Weather Updates
The rainfall warning ended his morning, as heavy rainfall is no longer expected today through Friday.
For updated weather information and flood warnings: BC River Forecast Centre
Be Aware:
Do not walk or drive through floodwater, seek higher ground if your shelter becomes at risk of being flooded and always avoid fast moving waters, staying away from riverbanks.
Coping with stress of evacuations
Alerts, evacuations, loss and worry around flooding can affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, here are some things you can do to help.
Reach out:
Talking helps, whether it’s with family, friends, an Elder or counsellor in Community.
Reach out to our Wellness teams at:
Phone: 604-982-7816
Email: wellness@squamish.net
Our Wellness Locations in Squamish Valley:
Ha7lh sḵwalwnawtxw (Healthy Hub Waterfront)
1221 Chief Billy Drive, Squamish
Ha7lh sḵwalwnawtxw Siyích’em (Healthy Hub)
41139-B Government Rd., Squamish
Help others: Take care of the vulnerable. Assisting others can help you regain a sense of purpose and Community as you confront the challenges together.