Evacuation alerts for more than 1,000 properties in Abbotsford, B.C., have been lifted as floodwaters recede, with a vital stretch of highway reopening.
On Saturday evening, Abbotsford said 1,069 properties in Sumas Prairie West and Sumas Prairie East were no longer under evacuation alert.
People living on another 160 properties have been allowed to return home, with evacuation orders downgraded to an alert. That includes most properties in the western portion of the evacuation order area up to Angus Campbell Road, including Huntingdon Village. Some properties north of Highway 1 are also included in the downgrade.
On Sunday, provincial officials said 56 properties in Abbotsford remain evacuated.
Evacuation orders remain in place for 325 properties throughout Sumas Prairie.
In addition to ending the alerts for some properties, the city says staff and Canada Task Force 1 conducted rapid damage assessments on homes impacted by the flooding to ensure residents could return safely.
Story continues below advertisement
2:14
Abbotsford mayor blasts Ottawa response amid Fraser Valley floods
Of the properties in the area downgraded, 32 homes were assessed as green, meaning re-entry was allowed at the owners’ discretion if the building is not located in an evacuation order area. One property was also assessed as yellow, in which access is restricted depending on varying conditions. No homes were given a red assessment, which would have barred entry unless authorization was granted.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
A portion of Highway 1, the main highway linking B.C.’s South Coast to the rest of Canada, has also reopened fully, according to the B.C. government.
Trending Now
-
‘We do not give in to terror’: Canadians voice support for Sydney Hanukkah shooting victims
-
‘Really challenging issue’: Many B.C. communities still at high risk for flooding
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit said Highway 1 between Highway 9 to Hope is also open to two-way traffic, but eastbound traffic should expect to cross over to the west-bound lanes. Speed reductions should be expected. The province said progress is being made with the installation of a lock block wall and there may be a partial eastbound reopening at some point Sunday.
Story continues below advertisement
While evacuation alerts and orders in Abbotsford are being rescinded or downgraded, other parts of the region are still dealing with the impacts of flooding.
B.C.’s River Forecast Centre has issued high streamflow advisories for coastal regions, and is issuing or maintaining a high streamflow advisory for Haida Gwaii, the North Coast including Kitimat, Prince Rupert and surrounding area, the Central Coast, Vancouver Island, and the South Coast including the Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and Sea-to-Sky.
In addition, on Sunday afternoon, the centre said the tributaries of the Lower Fraser including the Lillooet River and tributaries around Pemberton, the Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and North Shore Mountains, Kingcome River and Englishman River have been upgraded to a flood watch, meaning waterways are approaching flood levels.
It also upgraded the Chilliwack River and its tributaries to a flood warning and maintained its flood warning for the Sumas River.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
