Fraser Valley communities partner with Interior to boost Southern B.C. infrastructure investments

CHILLIWACK — Three communities in the Fraser Valley have partnered up with a couple of Interior municipalities to call for stronger economic resilience across Southern B.C.

The West Coast Corridor Resiliency Partnership (WCCRP) consists of Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Merritt and Princeton – communities linked by trade and transportation that were also affected by heavy rain and flooding in November 2021 and December 2025.

“The WCCRP represents a proactive, regionally coordinated solution to a national problem,” said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens.

“By advancing strategic infrastructure investments, this initiative will strengthen transportation networks, ensure access to energy corridors, and protect food systems reducing systemic risk to Canada’s economy.”

The initiative aims to boost flood mitigation and climate adaptation infrastructure that supports trade resilience, protects energy corridors and secures agriculture and food transportation.

“Flood risk in Sumas Prairie continues to threaten BC’s food production capacity, economy and critical transportation infrastructure,” wrote Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs. “This needs to be a priority of the federal government!”

The five mayors are set to provide more information following the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference from June 4 to 7.