Homalco First Nation Receives Funding For Restoration Of Willow Creek Wetlands

The Province is doling out $19 million to funding disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation projects throughout British Columbia, including in the Campbell River area.

Thirty-nine communities are involved in 46 projects from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation Stream.

The cash is intended to reduce the impact of future climate disasters by helping communities address current vulnerabilities and by supporting informed planning and decision-making.

Homalco First Nation will receive about $1.5 million for restoration of the Willow Creek wetlands and buried watercourses in Homalco territory for flood-risk mitigation.

The Nation will use natural solutions, such as creating rain gardens, to adapt to climate change and reduce risks. Measures will be taken to protect wildlife and improve local infrastructure, developed through community engagement.

Homalco’s lands and governance director, Alison Trenholm, says recognizing the need to protect social, economic, environmental and cultural values, the Nation has prioritized the assessment of the risk of flooding in the Willow Creek watershed.

She says members, staff and leadership are engaged and excited as they future proof the community, while supporting salmon stewardship and cultural connections.

“This funding allows us to continue the work we have started and expand it to all our lands within the watershed,” she said.

The Strathcona Regional District will see cash for slope assessment in Gold River, along with tsunami and flood-mitigation education.

The Comox Valley Regional District will receive $100-thousand dollars for extreme-weather equipment, partnering with Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and K’ómoks First Nation.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.