Pitt Polder Pump Station

The Pumping Station reflects the importance of diking systems to the agricultural industry, the growth of Pitt Meadows as a community, and the development of the diking system as an essential source of the community's identity since the 1950s. The first diking system was originally built in the late 1800s for agricultural purposes and did not serve the purpose of the expanding residential and commercial community. The current dike system was built as a response to devastating Fraser River Flood in 1948, one of the largest recorded floods in the lower mainland. During this landmark flood, many of the existing dike systems failed. The Provincial and Federal Government thereafter established the Fraser Valley Diking Board with a mandate to repair and reconstruct the diking system in the
FraserValley over the course of two years. During this time, Pitt Meadows, whose land base lies almost entirely within the Fraser Valley Floodplain, established over 60 kilometres of dikes within the community. This diking system was again rebuilt to current flood standards beginning in 1968.

The Pumping Station is further valued for its association with Holland-based manufacturers, Stork Brothers and Company, which was founded in Hengelo, the eastern
Netherlands, in 1868. The machinery is significant for its continuous use since the structure was built in 1952. As world leaders of dyke construction and water control, the Netherlands served as a model for the development of modern diking systems in the
FraserValley in the 1950s. Stork Brothers and Company was, at the time, one of the largest machine factories in the
Netherlands, producing largely industrial production equipment. The gear-driven pumps, and steel beams, which are still intact, were supplied by Stork. The simple one-storey building features modern design with narrow pressed brick and a flat roof, which reflects its European origin. ‘Biezeveld’, which is marked on the outside of the structure is an historical reference to N. Biezeveld (1849-1934), a well-known Netherlandish architect of water towers in the late 19th to early 20th century.

In 2021, work was completed on the new Pitt Polder Pump Station. The new pump station meets the current provincial standards and also includes fish-friendly pumps, allowing for the safe passage of fish, while helping keep fields arable, and benefit farming families in the community. Additional associated structural dike improvements and culvert replacements were also made, as well as all new electrical and mechanical control systems. In addition, the new station will provide annual energy efficiency and reduce emissions, as well as reduced operating, maintenance, and repair costs.

This new pump station is a critical component of our city’s diking and drainage system and provides enhanced safety and flood mitigation to over 1,650 hectares of agricultural land. For more information, read the full media release here. To learn more about flood mitigation and preparation, visit: pittmeadows.ca/floodpreparation.

Image of new Pitt Polder Pump Station