Strengthening flood resilience in East Kootenay region

Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship -

"When a community is hit by a flood, the effects are felt not just locally, but across B.C. Thanks to these investments, people, homes and businesses in the East Kootenay have stronger protection from flood risks than ever before. Alongside local partners, we're celebrating these projects, which are a big step toward making sure people and communities are safe when the water rises."

Nic Milligan, mayor of Fernie -

"The recent completion of the upgrades to the Mountview dike and Coal Creek bin wall marks another important step in strengthening Fernie's flood resilience. This latest provincially funded project builds on a series of investments that each add vital protection for our residents, businesses and essential infrastructure. We're grateful for the Province's continued support as we work together to safeguard our community from growing climate-related risks."

Al Miller, mayor of Invermere -

"The safety and well-being of our community and citizens is our top priority. Raising the Toby Creek dike to a one-in-200-year safety measure makes our community much more resilient to the threat of flooding. We are pleased we're supported with this funding from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness to enable this important work along Toby Creek to be completed, making a great spot for families and pets, even better."

Mark Doherty, mayor of Canal Flats -

"The Village of Canal Flats is grateful to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness for supporting the upgrades to the Kootenay River dike. These improvements significantly enhance our community's protection from high-water events and support a safer, more resilient future for the people of Canal Flats, as we face increasingly unpredictable climate-related weather."

Ron Oszust, mayor of Golden -

"As Golden's top public-safety project, completing the Kicking Horse River dike project marked a major milestone for our community. It significantly increases our level of flood protection now and well into the future, helping safeguard homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. The project also provided the opportunity to transform our riverfront, creating a vibrant public space where residents come to work, play and connect, and visitors can enjoy all that Golden has to offer."

Wayne Price, mayor of Cranbrook -

"On behalf of the City of Cranbrook and city council, I want to thank the Province for its generous support of this vital project. This project represents a significant milestone as it secures our community's water supply for generations. Ensuring a reliable and resilient water system will empower Cranbrook to continue its growth and development while preparing for challenges posed by climate change."

Susan Clovechok, director of electoral area F, Regional District of East Kootenay -

"Completing the Cold Spring Creek debris-flow mitigation project has not only made the community safer now but also enhanced its long-term resilience. This achievement was possible thanks to both provincial and federal funding, as well as the support of the regional district board. These funding sources and the collaboration behind them enabled us to use scientific evidence to invest in infrastructure that safeguards Fairmont Hot Springs residents for decades to come."