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After a week of turmoil caused by unprecedented flooding in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the local tourism sector is showing signs of recovery. The Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre and Castle Fun Park have both reopened, signaling hope for the community’s economic revival. These establishments faced the wrath of floodwaters for the second time within four years, yet their preparedness has enabled a quicker resurgence.
At the helm of this recovery is Brian Wiebe, co-owner of Castle Fun Park, who shared insights on the recent flooding. Having learned from past experiences, Wiebe emphasized the importance of vigilance. “We were monitoring the water levels closely, but when the flood struck, it required immediate action from all staff members,” he reflected.
Preparedness in the face of adversity
This year’s flooding was reminiscent of the chaos faced in when Castle Fun Park suffered significant damage. Wiebe detailed the devastation, recalling how the water almost reached the joists of their facility, leading to a three-week closure that crippled operations. “We lost everything during that incident,” he lamented while surveying the remnants of a previously submerged minigolf course, now a ghost of its former self.
However, this time, Castle Fun Park was better equipped to handle the crisis. Thanks to the installation of a new waterproof barrier and a dedicated team available around the clock, the flooding’s impact was significantly mitigated. “We operated multiple pumps, both gas-powered and electrical, managing to expel between 15,000 to 20,000 gallons per minute to keep the floodwaters at bay,” Wiebe explained. Despite these efforts, the Under the Sea minigolf course did suffer considerable damage.
Recovery challenges for local hospitality
Meanwhile, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre faced its own challenges as floodwaters encroached upon its property. General manager Daniel Laverick described the scene: “There was a palpable sense of panic, particularly for those who had already faced displacement during previous floods. By 9 PM, we were dealing with over two feet of water inside the hotel.” At the time, the hotel was hosting three Christmas parties and accommodating numerous guests, including evacuees from nearby farmlands.
In total, around 200 individuals sought refuge in the conference center, while the hotel offered shelter in approximately 50 guest rooms. Unfortunately, the hotel had to suspend operations for about a week, resulting in an estimated loss of $140,000 in revenue. Laverick expressed relief that the situation was not as dire as in, where closures lasted months. “We’re thankful we could welcome staff back within a week,” he noted.
Community resilience and future actions
The swift recovery efforts of these establishments highlight the importance of preparedness, as noted by Tourism Abbotsford. However, the organization emphasizes that businesses cannot shoulder the burden alone. Calls for federal intervention and improved flood mitigation strategies have intensified, with executive director Clare Seeley articulating the community’s frustrations. “We were led to believe that the flooding we experienced in was a once-in-a-century event. Yet, here we are again, facing devastation just four years later. Our significant tourism players, including the Clarion Hotel and Castle Fun Park, are underwater once more,” Seeley lamented.
She further elaborated on the broader implications of these closures, stating, “The disruptions impact far more than just local businesses; they project a concerning image globally. With major transportation hubs such as an international airport and Highway 1 being affected, the message we send out is not one of stability or reliability.”
Calls for federal support
As the community rebuilds, Castle Fun Park is planning a phased reopening while continuing to make repairs and improvements that began after the flood. The local government, alongside various stakeholders, is advocating for comprehensive flood mitigation strategies to prevent future occurrences.
In a recent visit, British Columbia Premier David Eby underscored the gravity of the situation as he observed the extensive flood damage firsthand, particularly on local farms. “The aftermath is severe, with farmers facing a daunting cleanup and significant losses in their operations,” he stated. Eby addressed the urgent need for federal support to safeguard the region’s infrastructure, highlighting the vital role it plays in trade and the economy.
“The repeated failures of our infrastructure highlight the need for investment in flood prevention measures. The recent shutdown of Highway 1 and the continuing threats to other routes cannot be ignored,” Eby concluded, emphasizing that a unified effort is essential for the future.