Tourist Information Center, east of Abbotsford
In 1924, by a system of stream diversions, dams, dykes, canals and pumps, 33,000 acres of fertile land were reclaimed from Sumas Lake. Few areas in BC have such rich soil with transportation and markets in close proximity. Produce of the mixed farming on this deep lake bottom land is an important factor in the economy of our mountainous province.
Drainage of Sumas Lake was first considered around 1870. However, it was 50 years before the project was carried out. During these years a Dyking Act was passed and a Dyking Commission appointed; several companies were formed and many plans put forward. Due to a lack of money, little work was done. The situation was complicated around 1890 when the Vedder River changed course and began to empty into Sumas Lake. This increased the fertility of the soil in and around the lake but made drainage more difficult.
In 1917 the property owners of the area petitioned the provincial government to undertake the project. Finally, in August, 1920, work was begun, but delays continued. Dredging equipment was hard to find, the winter of 1921-22 was very cold, and the contractor went bankrupt. Despite this, the first phase - the diversion of the Vedder into a canal - was completed by 1922. Pumping out the lake began in 1923 and was completed within a year.
The total cost of the project was over $3.7 million - $2 million more than the original estimates. The government was subjected to heavy criticism because of the excessive cost but the project was nonetheless worthwhile.
