Coquitlam, BC, Aug. 15, 2024 — A new flood mitigation program is set to bring significant improvements to the Lower Mainland as Kwikwetlem First Nation and the City of Coquitlam collaborate on a $19.9 million project aimed at safeguarding the region from increasing flood risks. The initiative, supported by federal and provincial funding, was announced August 15 by MP Ron McKinnon, MLA Rick Glumac, Councillor John Peters, and Mayor Richard Stewart.
As climate change continues to raise water levels and intensify rainfall, communities like slakəyánc IR1, Mayfair Industrial Park, and ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park face growing flood risks. This joint project will upgrade the existing flood protection network and construct enhanced dikes in the area. Additionally, the project will support fish habitats and improve water connectivity by installing new flood boxes that prevent backflow and enhance the local drainage system.
“Investments in disaster mitigation infrastructure are essential to building more adaptable, resilient communities,” said Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam. “Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam’s coordinated improvements to flood mitigation infrastructure will help them collectively adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while protecting what matters most to their communities.”
B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Bowinn Ma, emphasized the importance of these efforts in the face of increasingly common extreme weather events. “Through the joint flood mitigation program, we are working with Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam to protect our communities and sacred sites from climate-related threats. These infrastructure improvements will provide a lasting defence against flooding and preserve local fish habitats, making it safer for both people and ecosystems.”
For Kwikwetlem First Nation, the funding is a crucial step toward protecting their lands and community. “Our community of slakəyánc has faced significant flood risks for many years,” said Councillor John Peters, who oversees Emergency Management for the Nation. “Investing in climate adaptation is crucial to safeguarding our people and the lands we have cared for since time immemorial. This funding will allow us to work in partnership with the City of Coquitlam to upgrade critical flood protection infrastructure for our Nation and the surrounding region. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient future for everyone.”
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of collaboration between municipalities and First Nations. “Municipalities and First Nations are on the front line of responding to the impacts of climate change, witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of flooding on communities across the Province. Our collective action in planning and preparing for flood events underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities and reducing the risks they face.”
The federal government is contributing $11.5 million through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, while the B.C. government is investing nearly $4.83 million. Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam are also making significant contributions, with $992,966 and $2.67 million, respectively.
This project is part of a broader effort under the Investing in Canada Plan, through which the federal government is investing over $180 billion in public transit, green infrastructure, and other vital community projects across the country.
For more information on federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia and details on the Green Infrastructure Stream, visit the links provided.
Source: Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
