Wooden walkway on New West waterfront reopens as water drops

The wooden boardwalk along Westminster Quay has reopened but people are still encouraged to be cautious when they’re around the shoreline.

Last weekend, the City of New Westminster erected signage and temporary barricades to discourage folks from walking along the wooden portion of the Quayside boardwalk. Few folks seemed concerned about the high water and many bypassed the fencing to walk along the wooden esplanade.

The city took action in response to a high streamflow advisory for the Lower Fraser River that had been issued by the B.C. River Forecast Centre.

In a July 6 update, the city stated the high streamflow advisory for the Fraser River remains in effect. The advisory means that river levels are expected to rise rapidly, but that no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

“Given the elevated water levels, the City of New Westminster is urging residents to remain aware and use caution when around the Fraser River shoreline, in particular, Quayside, Port Royal, Braid Industrial Area, Sapperton Landing and other exposed and low-lying areas adjacent to the Fraser or Brunette rivers,” said the city’s update. “Please keep pets out of and away from fast-moving water.”

The city reminds residents and visitors to be aware that below-ground parking areas adjacent to the Fraser River may experience minor flooding or seepage during high water levels.

“Residents and strata representatives are responsible for monitoring their parking areas, particularly those that contain electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, and equipment in case of flooding,” said the notice. “Affected residents may wish to consider alternate parking arrangements for vehicles during this period.”

The city will continue to monitor the situation by conducting regular dike patrols and liaising with provincial officials.

On July 6, Metro Vancouver has rescinded its evacuation alert for Barnston Island, effective immediately.

According to Metro Vancouver, the Fraser River Mission gauge peaked at 5.98 metres on July 5 and observed water levels have dropped.

“The BC River Forecast Centre anticipates the Fraser River floodwaters will continue to recede in Metro Vancouver,” said a Metro Vancouver new release.

Barnston Island is accessed via a ferry in Surrey.

On June 30, a precautionary evacuation alert was issued in anticipation of rising floodwaters from the Fraser River, restricting Barnston Island to residents, businesses and those with a family connection. Metro Vancouver and the Katzie First Nation collaborated on coordinating the evacuation alert notification.

While public access to the island has been restored, Barnston Island Regional Park remains closed due to localized flooding.