The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has now celebrated the grand opening of a much-awaited flow mitigation project in Fairmont Hot Springs.
Officials marked the completion of the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project on October 8. The project kicked off in September 2023 to provide better flood protection for residents along the Creek during the spring freshet.
“The Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation project is a testament to the importance that all levels of government put on public safety,” says RDEK Electoral Area F Director, Susan Clovechok. “[A]nd none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts and commitment of our staff, project partners and contractors.”
One of the key components of the project includes an eight-metre-tall debris flow barrier built to stop roughly 84,000 cubic metres of material. It also has a three-metre-wide vertical opening at the channel that can capture debris while allowing water to pass through.
The $13.6 million project was over 98 per cent funded by multiple programs, including a $9 million federal-provincial split contribution through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure and COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream programs.
“This project strengthens community resilience by preventing damage before it happens and avoiding costly disruptions to essential services,” said Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr.
“We are proud to have supported this project which will safeguard people, local infrastructure, and livelihoods in Fairmont Hot Springs from the devastating impacts of debris flows for years to come.”
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