Chilliwack council voted to upgrade the Young Road dike even though it will mean steeper grades on some driveways.
The vote last Tuesday was 4 to 2 by council to go ahead with the plan to elevate the dike by one metre.
The total cost will be $2.1 million, with provincial and federal counterparts sharing it three ways with the city's share at about $700,000.
Councillors Ken Popove and Chris Kloot voted against.
The alternative for council was cancelling the project, which would have meant forfeiting Emergency Management BC funding, and the $150,000 for emergency upgrading materials, said Tara Friesen, manager of environmental services for City of Chilliwack in her report to council.
Some of the issues that emerged included driveways. About 14 of the 32 Young Road property owners impacted by the project have "challenging" driveways.
The one-kilometre section runs north from Hope River to Cartmell Road, and the upgrade is intended to protect parts of Fairfield Island, some agricultural land and more.
Council also accepted proposal for the design & construction of the East Dyke Young Road Upgrades from Martens Asphalt, in the amount of $1.5 million.
They resolved to work with Martens reps to continue discussions with affected property owners to mitigate impacts, and continue discussions with Skwah and Shxwha:y Village for longer-term strategies.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Twitter.com/chwkjourno