The District of Squamish has received a grant totalling $4,049,878 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program offered by the Government of Canada.
The funding will be used for the Xwu’nekw Park Sea Dike along the Mamquam Blind Channel. The funding will be used to construct 200-metres of new sea dike that will upgrade the shoreline and improve coastal flood protection for Downtown Squamish.
“This is incredible news for all of Squamish as we proactively prepare for and undertake climate change adaptation,” said Karen Elliott, the mayor of the District of Squamish. “This funding is critical to enable us to complete shoreline upgrades and diking infrastructure that will address current anticipated sea level rise, and offer flood protection to all of Downtown Squamish. We wish to thank our federal and provincial government partners for these funds that will help us work towards our goal of protecting our community.”
Identified as the highest priority within the District’s Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan, the new sea dike will be integrated within the Xwu’nekw waterfront park. The project will be built to accommodate a projected one-metre of sea level rise by 2100, and will incorporate environmental enhancement features to support the marine habitat. The District is engaging with marine user groups, environmental organizations and Squamish Nation in the project’s design.
Two initial design concepts for the sea wall and plans for interim park improvements at Xwu’nekw Park have been developed. The public is invited to submit feedback on the proposed options by completing a community survey, open through July 14. The work is expected to be complete by 2021.
More information about the dike concepts and options is available here.