(Updated as of Dec. 1, 2021)
Transport Canada intends to restrict, by way of Interim Order, all non-essential boating from flooded and evacuated areas. The Interim Order is intended to keep boaters out of danger and areas clear for emergency services to perform response operations. Exemptions to these restrictions will only be allowed for essential activities, such as persons involved in emergency response and recovery activities (municipal, Indigenous, provincial and federal government employees), and those whose only access to their property is by boat.
The Interim Order was issued on Nov. 19, 2021, and was updated on Nov. 30, 2021.
The measures will be in place as long as necessary to protect navigation safety in these unprecedented conditions. The Interim Order will apply to the following geographic areas:
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1 |
City of Merritt |
Coldwater River and waters over the floodplains within the limits of the city of Merritt Coldwater River and its tributaries, south of the city of Merritt, and waters over the floodplains along Coldwater Road near its intersection with Kane Valley Road |
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2 |
Town of Princeton |
Similkameen River within the limits of the city of Princeton and waters over the floodplains to the east of that city |
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3 |
Regional District of the Okanagan – Similkameen |
Similkameen River and waters over the floodplains along Crowsnest Highway, from south of Hedley to the U.S. border |
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4 |
City of Abbotsford/ City of Chilliwack |
Sumas River and the waters over the floodplains on the Sumas Prairies, between McCallum Road, the U.S. border and Vedder River Fraser River and its tributaries, including the waters over the neighbouring floodplains, from the town of Yale to the city of Mission Chilliwack River and the waters over the floodplains from Chilliwack Lake to, and including, Vedder River, and also including Slesse Creek |
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5 |
District of Hope |
Coquihalla River and the waters over the floodplains along the Coquihalla Highway and Crowsnest Highway from Shylock Road to where the Coquihalla River meets the Fraser River |
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6 |
Village of Lytton |
Fraser River and its tributaries, including waters over the neighbouring floodplains, from south of the community of Lillooet to south of the village of Lytton |
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7 |
Village of Tulameen |
Tulameen River and the waters over the floodplains in the vicinity of the village of Tulameen |
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8 |
Nicola River |
Nicola River and the waters over the floodplains from the community of Spences Bridge to Spius Creek, west of the city of Merritt |
The Interim Order establishes those who can enforce it, including RCMP, local and Indigenous enforcement partners, DFO officers, and others. These measures were developed to quickly respond to the deteriorating conditions and to protect public safety.
More information can be found in the official order here.
A map showing affected areas can also be found here.