April 1, 2018
Ice storms damage lower mainland B.C. parks
Winter storms blanketed the Fraser Valley in ice in spells through December and February, racking up thousands of dollars in damages, reports the Times Colonist newspaper. Freezing rain, snow and ice caused power outages and dangerous road conditions across the region, with the worst damage occurring in and around Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Aldergrove and Matsqui Trail regional parks were closed for nearly two weeks while staff assessed the damage and cleared fallen trees and branches. The Times Colonist reports more than 1,500 staff hours will be deployed in the cleanup effort, while tree removal and damages to park facilities has resulted in $12,000 in costs.