Projects in Fernie, Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats will get a share of almost $30-million in federal and provincial investments.
The finding is divided up among 11 projects across B.C., with more than $15.6-million devoted to projects in the East Kootenay.
In the East Kootenay, phase 2 of the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation project will receive a total of $9,723,000. Of that, $7,778,400 will come from the federal government and $1,944,600 will be provided by the province.
According to officials, the money will be used to build a large debris flow/flood barrier to better protect Fairmont Hot Springs. The barrier will be constructed along Coldstream Creek and is anticipated to hold 68,000 cubic metres of debris.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Province of BC and the Government of Canada for investing in this critical infrastructure, “said Susan Clovechok, Regional District of East Kootenay Area F director. “Given the magnitude of the hazard and the risk to life and property, phase 2 of the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project is a high priority for our region.”
Government officials also note that the Coldspring Creek project will receive the single-largest funding amount of the 11 approved projects.
In Fernie, the Annex Dike Upgrade project will also receive a funding boost to the tune of nearly $4.9-million. The grant is split between $959,000 from the province and $3,836,000 from the federal government.
Work on the project is already underway, with crews preparing the site, and construction work beginning on the retaining wall.
Meanwhile, almost $1.1-million will go to support Canal Flats’ Dike Upgrade Design and Construction project. $873,600 is coming from the Canadian Government and $218,400 will come from the Provincial Government.
Officials said the project aims to improve existing flood protection to meet updated flood construction levels.
This money comes from a federal and provincial funding project aimed at reducing and mitigating flood and slide risks.
