LAX KW’ALAAMS, BC – Measures are being put in place to stabilize the shoreline in Lax Kw’alaams after an investment of more than $5 million from the federal government. Announced by Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, this project will protect the community’s critical infrastructure and preserve the precious habitats of important fish species, such as surf smelt and herring.
Located on the northwest coast, and accessible only by ferry or water taxi, Lax Kw’alaams is experiencing a consistently high rate of erosion along its shoreline, caused by a rise in sea level, storm surges, and strong winds. This has resulted in the loss of a considerable amount of land, putting the community’s power, roads, water and sanitary sewer assets at risk.
“This project will help protect the shorelines of Rose Island and the causeway that connects the island to the community. The houses, roads, parks and infrastructure on Rose Island will see added protection from coastal erosion, now and for future generations of Lax Kw’alaams residents,” said Garry Reece, Mayor of Lax Kw’alaams Band.
Funding will go towards the construction of new rock revetments along the shoreline to create a barrier to absorb and dissipate the wave energy of the water, which will in turn protect Lax Kw’alaams against further erosion.
“Empowering communities to combat climate change is the foundation to building a stable economy and healthy communities,” said Wilkinson on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “This investment will reinforce preservation of our unique coastal ecology and empower the Lax Kw’alaams community to combat erosion damage. The federal government will continue to keep investing in projects to keep our communities secure and help keep families safe for years to come.”
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $5,038,000 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).
- Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
- To date, over $2.4 billion has been announced for more than 91 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe.
- This funding will support projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.
- Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 million in total eligible costs to be considered eligible.
- On November 24th, 2022, the federal government released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.
- As part of the Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund received an additional $489.1 million in funding.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.
