Climate adaptation in Gibsons is getting a $6 million boost from the federal government.
The Climate Adaptation Through Natural Assets Project is one of 45 local government infrastructure projects in B.C. awarded money through the federal Canada Community Building Fund in an announcement Monday, April 17.
The local project involves restoring degraded habitat in Charman and Goosebird Creeks with nature-based and built solutions to reduce risk of flooding and erosion in Lower Gibsons, according to a Town of Gibsons press release.
“This grant will allow us to implement climate adaptation strategies and create a more resilient stormwater system in Lower Gibsons,” Michelle Lewis, natural asset technician for Gibsons, said in the press release. “As we face more and more climate-related challenges, effectively managing our natural assets is essential to helping us prepare for the future. We are grateful for this funding, and our team is looking forward to collaborating with rightsholders and stakeholders in the region on this project.”
The project will see restoration of riparian areas to more natural conditions for the sake of flow, drainage, invertebrate, fish and plant habitat. This includes replacing insufficient culverts, removing deteriorating human-made obstructions and removing invasive species and re-vegetating with native species, among other initiatives.
“Investing in nature and improving climate resilience is a top priority for the Town of Gibsons,” said Mayor Silas White in the press release. “This funding will allow us to continue our work to leverage our natural assets to better deal with impacts of intense rain events and sea level rise.”
The Canada Community Building Fund was formerly known as the Federal Gas Tax Fund.
