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Flood prevention and reporting in Burnaby, BC
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
Burnaby asks residents to keep drains and nearby catch basins clear and report flooding to Engineering. After-hours reports use the City’s 24-hour service line.
Key information
Burnaby asks residents to keep drains and nearby catch basins clear and report flooding to Engineering. After-hours reports use the City’s 24-hour service line.
On this page
Local flood conditions
Burnaby’s south boundary follows nearly seven kilometres of the Fraser River’s North Arm. The City identifies almost 800 hectares between the south slope and river as low-lying floodplain.
Flooding can follow rain, snowmelt or storms. The river can rise with late-spring and early-summer snowmelt or winter rain and storm surge. City protections include dykes, pump stations and flood boxes; these do not mean every property is risk-free.
Maintain drainage before a storm
Clean and inspect perimeter foundation drains because leaves, dirt, roots and silt can block them. Consider replacement when old drains no longer work.
Keep adjacent curb gutters and catch basins clear of leaves and debris. Clear snow around catch basins so meltwater can drain. Keep an open ditch and culvert beside the property clear.
Manage roof water carefully
In older homes, roof downpipes can overload foundation drains. The City suggests directing them onto splash pads so water can soak into the garden. Make sure the change does not send flooding onto a neighbour’s property.
Check a creek through the property for obstructions. Following heavy rain or snow, stay away from streams and rivers with strong flow. Street puddles can be deeper than they look and can cause loss of vehicle control.
Report and follow City updates
Report flooding to 604-294-7221 Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3:30 pm. After hours and on weekends, call 604-294-7200. Give a clear location and describe whether a road, drain or property is affected.
The City shares flood updates on its website, social channels, information line and, when needed, public meetings. Its response may include temporary dykes and sandbags. This guide does not promise a public sandbag pickup location.
Quick reference
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Weekday report | 604-294-7221, 7 am to 3:30 pm |
| After hours/weekends | 604-294-7200 |
| Before rain | Clear drains, gutters, catch basins and culverts |
| Roof drainage | Use safe splash-pad routing without flooding neighbours |
| High water | Avoid fast streams and do not assume puddles are shallow |
What to do next
- Prepare
Inspect and clear the drainage around the property.
- Observe safely
Identify the affected location without entering fast water.
- Report
Use the correct City line and follow current updates.
10 useful questions
What is Burnaby’s main southern floodplain?
The low-lying area between the steep south slope and the Fraser River’s North Arm.
Can floods happen outside spring snowmelt?
Yes. Heavy rainfall and winter storm surges can also cause flooding.
What can block foundation drains?
Leaves, needles, silt, dirt and roots are among the City’s examples.
Why clear a catch basin after snow?
It lets snowmelt and later rain drain instead of collecting on the street.
Who should keep an adjacent ditch clear?
The City asks property owners with a ditch and culvert along their property to keep them clear.
Can I send roof water toward my neighbour?
No. Take steps to avoid flooding neighbouring property.
Should I walk beside a creek after heavy rain?
The City says to avoid streams and rivers when flow may be faster and stronger.
Are road puddles always safe to drive through?
No. They may be deeper than they appear and can affect vehicle control.
Which number handles weekday flooding?
604-294-7221, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm.
Which number handles weekend flooding?
Call the 24-hour City service line at 604-294-7200.
Official information and forms
This guide covers the municipal service in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Fees and active service notices can change. Use the linked official page for the application or latest notice.