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Cleanup of storm debris at Island 22 required before it can reopen in Chilliwack

Hang in there a bit longer, users asked, as FVRD reps strive to line up contractors ASAP for the cleanup of the regional park
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FVRD is asking users of Island 22 Regional Park to hold on a bit longer. They hope to reopen the park when the storm debris is cleared

Fraser Valley Regional District officials are working to reopen Island 22 Regional Park in Chilliwack as quickly as possible.

But it could take until at least next week, said FVRD spokesperson Jennifer Kinneman.

That means no boat launch is available, nor is the revamped off-leash dog section open to the public in the storm-damaged park. Some regular users may be chomping at the bit.

After the ice storm earlier this month took down branches and felled trees at Island 22, an arborist was called in to assess the damage. Since then, regional district staff has been working to hire equipment operators to clean up the park.

The FVRD does not have the equipment necessary to remove all the branches and debris, and many communities across the Lower Mainland have scrambling to hire the fixed number of available equipment contractors.

Part of the new fencing around the dog park was also damaged and is in need of repair, Kinneman.

Now that the snow has melted, many park users are eager to return to Island 22 park.

"We're working tirelessly to get Island 22 open again, but safety has to be paramount. Once we feel confident that the dangers are gone, we will reopen the park," she said.

 



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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