The Cheakamus River's near-flood on July 25 was just the latest scare for Squamish Nation reserve residents living under constant threat along the river's banks.
That's because a dike meant to protect the community remains dangerously inadequate despite unanimous agreement that the barrier needs work.
Last month's river surge and evacuation alert was caused by tons of rock and other material slid off Cheekye River basin, blocking the river's confluence with the Cheakamus. But numerous flood threats have plagued the community over the past decade.
Meanwhile, each of the two factions responsible for ensuring the safety of the reserve - the Squamish Nation and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DINA) - is saying the ball is in the other's court.
"We're in discussions with them [DINA] to try and make sure our family members that are on that reserve are protected properly, and it's entirely in their hands at this point," said Chief Bill Williams.
DINA spokesperson Amanda Costa said the government is waiting on the Squamish Nation to submit a proposal for the work.
"When you look at a river system, it needs a co-ordinated approach, so as far we know, the Squamish Nation is working very closely with the District of Squamish and the provincial government to create a comprehensive flood and erosion mitigation plan for the Cheakamus River," said Costa. "Once that plan's in place, they can submit a proposal, and we will evaluate the proposal for any proposed projects.
"So if you want specific details as to what the Squamish Nation is doing with that plan, I would suggest you contact the Squamish Nation."
Williams said the nation has already submitted a proposal, worth "a few million dollars," which is why "they [DINA] are going in another direction."
"The municipality and the province have no jurisdiction on reserves, it's all federal property. So they're just spinning you a yarn," said Williams. "Unfortunately it's their process and I wish I could say we could move it faster, but we can't."
Cheakamus reserve spokesperson Shirley Lewis said raising the dike would solve the constant fear the community lives under, but instead, her family and neighbours are left to watch the "buck passing" go on year after year.
On their behalf, she is demanding the work be done.
"We have elders, we have children. I'm going to take this, if I have to, to our lawyers," she said. "I'm saying, you know what? I'm tired of sitting on this. Squamish Nation has to take care of it or the Department of Indian Affairs. Quit passing the buck."
Costa said DINA ensures the community members' safety by stepping when immediate danger presents itself. She said it was her organization that first contacted Provincial and Squamish Emergency Program workers in the latest incident.
"Anytime there's emergency situations we address that concern, and we work very closely with the Provincial Emergency Program anytime there's an emergency situation," said Costa. "That's kind of a separate issue."
Williams said that dealing with the recent debris torrent has meant collaborating with non-federal authorities who must maintain the safety of other nearby residents.
"If we shoot the debris torrent straight down as opposed to making the turn [in the river], then it will affect other people who live in the general area. It'll take out Fergie's Landing and all those homes around there," he said. "So it is a little complicated and we're trying to figure out the best and the less intrusive way of handling a debris torrent."
Mayor Greg Gardner said some material has been moved, and preliminary work is currently underway to assess the situation.
"An analysis is being done collaboratively between the District of Squamish, various provincial government agencies and Squamish Nation with respect to removing more debris from the area," he said. "The analysis will look at the rational or reason for urgency for removing that material."
Gardner added he is unaware of issues around raising the dike on the reserve land.
