Vedder Rotary Trail closures planned for flood recovery work

CHILLIWACK – Several sections of the Vedder Rotary Trail network will be closed beginning next month as the City of Chilliwack carries out flood recovery work along the Vedder River.

The closures will begin August 4 and continue through October. The Vedder Rotary Trail from the Greendale stockpile to Greendale gravel bar and from Lickman Road to Webster Road will also be closed in advance of the work from July 29 to 31.

The project is intended to improve flood protection along the Vedder River with the removal of sediment that has built up during recent extreme weather events.

In a news release, the City says the atmospheric river in November of 2021 dumped about 440,000 cubic metres of sediment in the Vedder River and Canal, while weather events last December deposited another 230,000 cubic metres. That compares with an annual average of about 55,000 cubic metres.

Approximately 220,000 cubic metres of sediment was removed in 2022 and 2024, however the City says additional sediment in the river and canal has effectively increased the height of the river, resulting in an increased flood risk.

Sediment removal will take place in August and September during the in-stream work window designated by provincial and federal governments, protecting fish habitat. Once complete, the trails will be restored to their pre-construction condition.

Several parking lots may be closed during the project, including Lickman Road, Hooge Road, Browne Road, Bergman Road, Giesbrecht Dike, Wilson Road, and the Keith Wilson Bridge and surrounding dikes.

Some trail sections will remain open through the work.  The Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve, No. 3 parking lot, Vedder Park and Peach Park will be accessible to the public. The City says closure information will be updated regularly on its website.