The City of Abbotsford lifts all Evacuation Alerts and turns its attention to recovery efforts

December 18,2025

RED FM News Desk

The City of Abbotsford has lifted all remaining Evacuation Alerts and is shifting from flood response to recovery, as water levels in the Sumas and Nooksack rivers continue to drop and the flood watch has ended. 

Residents returning to their properties are encouraged to have their homes and other structures further assessed in consultation with their insurance providers. Additional guidance and resources are available on the City’s Return Home information page. Staff at the Emergency Operations Centre have been coordinating with non-profit organizations to provide extra support for affected properties, and updates will be posted on the Return Home page as they become available. 

Curbside collection of flood-damaged items and debris in the former evacuation area is scheduled for this weekend, December 20 and 21, with additional collection dates possible if needed. All loose materials must be bagged, and items must be non-hazardous and placed at the curb by 7 a.m. Saturday, December 20, to ensure pickup. Hazardous materials will be collected at a later date. Large roll-off bins are also available for properties needing to dispose of substantial debris; property owners can request a bin by emailing floodrecovery@abbotsford.ca. 

Repairs to South Parallel Road west of Whatcom Road are currently underway, and residents are reminded to follow all traffic control signs. All other roads in Sumas Prairie have reopened. 

The Emergency Operations Centre will remain active throughout the recovery phase, with updates posted at www.abbotsford.ca as new information becomes available.