The drainage ditches in Queensborough collect rainwater from roads and properties, relying on gravity to move water to pump stations that discharge it into the Fraser River. However, the area's flat topography, high groundwater table, and obstructions like vegetation, sediment, and unauthorized structures reduce the system’s capacity, leading to flooding. The City has worked to improve drainage by upgrading pump stations and removing blockages, but certain streets in Queensborough (such as Fenton Street) remain a problem due to its low elevation and slow drainage during heavy rainfall. When operationally feasible, City staff deploy mobile pumps to help, though this is challenging when the entire system is full.

fenton street streetscape project

The long-term solution for the Fenton Street Streetscape Project includes raising the road and private properties above flood construction levels and improving water movement by redirecting them beyond Boyd St and into the Wood St canal where the Wood St Pump Station drains. This solution is complex, has several risks, and affects all of the drainage in the Wood Street catchment area.

On November 18, 2024, staff prepared a council report titled “Response to Motion: Options for Accelerating Sidewalks in Queensborough”, found here. Council approved the following motion:

1. THAT Staff include funds to design the full build out of Fenton Street as presented in the staff report as part of the 2025 Capital Budget process;
2. THAT Option 4: a quick-build treatment on the existing road right-of-way of the prioritized subset of streets, per the Queensborough Transportation Plan, be included in the 2025 Capital Budget process;
3. THAT Staff explore options to increase regular maintenance funds in the operating budget;
4. THAT the snow and ice response plan policy be revised to increase the priority of streets that do not have sidewalks; and
5. THAT Staff hold a community conversation with translation services

Since the November council workshop, funds to design and construct the full build-out of Fenton Street Streetscape and quick-build treatments on prioritized subset of streets in Queensborough have been included in the 5-year financial plan adopted by Council on January 27, 2025.  Engineering and Public Works have confirmed that the snow and ice response plan policy has been revised to increase the priority of streets that do not have sidewalks. Engineering and Public Works has also explored options to increase maintenance funds in the operating budget to increase maintenance frequency in areas with known issues to enhance level of service and scheduling Fenton Street for 2025 ditch and culvert cleaning.

Community engagement with translation services for Fenton Street residents for this project is planned for late May/early June 2025 starting with door-to-door outreach and invitations to in-person engagement sessions. A separate community engagement for Queensborough residents for quick-build treatments based on the prioritized street network as identified in the Queensborough Transportation Plan will be conducted following Fenton Street community engagement.

More information and details of the project and community engagement events can be found on the Projects on the Go project page.