CITY OF
KAMLOOPS, BC, July 23,
2024 /CNW/ - A new stormwater collection system on
Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Louis Centre lands to build
community resilience and protect habitats for local wildlife after
an investment of $1 million from the
federal government.
The project involves the construction of a natural detention
pond, which will help manage urban runoff from Tk'emlúps te
Secwépemc Chief Louis Centre lands during periods of heavy
rainfall. By allowing large flows of water to enter and temporarily
store in the detention pond, the flow of runoff entering the South
Thompson River will be slowed down. Reducing peak flow rates into
the river will help prevent flooding, address existing bank
erosion, and mitigate potential future erosion.
In addition to its stormwater management capabilities, the
project has placed public use and community social interactions at
the core of its design. New features will include trails,
interpretive signage and benches around the perimeter to allow the
general public to interact with this new waterfront feature.
Quotes
"Building resilience through the construction of natural
infrastructure not only protects our communities, but also our
natural ecosystems. The construction of this new detention pond
will address common impacts of urbanization by slowing down the
flow of runoff during heavy rainfall events, which will help
prevent future floods. Our government is committed to supporting
local infrastructure priorities that protect Canadians from the
impacts of climate change."
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency
Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic
Development Agency of Canada, on
behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"We truly appreciate these investments in Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc
leading-edge, sustainable, and climate-resilient green
infrastructure project. Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc Stormwater
Management initiative supports new development on the Chief
Louis Centre lands through a green
infrastructure approach that will bring together the natural
environment and public spaces. The facility will help protect the
South Thompson River against the impacts of urbanization by
improving runoff water quality, prevent flooding, mitigate erosion
risk, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Integrated Stormwater
management is a meaningful component of a broader holistic approach
that TteS is taking on as stewards of the environment. Respect for
the land, water, air, and all people are foundational to building
good relationships where we all benefit and succeed."
Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $1,000,000 in this project through the Natural
Infrastructure Fund (NIF), and the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc are
contributing $400,000.
- The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use
natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate
change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve
biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access
to nature.
- Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests,
street trees, wetlands, living dykes, bioswales, and naturalized
coastal restoration.
- Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of engineered grey
infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or
the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure
include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater
ponds.
- A minimum of 10% of the overall program envelope will be
allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements
related to consultation and environmental assessment
obligations.
Associated Links
Natural Infrastructure Fund
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/nif-fin/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html
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SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities