Climate Adaptation Through Natural Assets Project
Implementing climate adaptation strategies to create a more resilient stormwater system in Lower Gibsons.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) announced that the Town of Gibsons was one of 45 recipients to receive a $6 million dollar grant from the Strategic Priorities Fund stream of the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly known as the federal Gas Tax Fund).
This funding will go towards the Climate Adaptation Through Natural Assets Project (CATNAP) which was identified by the Town as a solution to reduce flooding risk and improve the natural environment in Lower Gibsons. The project involves both nature-based and built solutions to restore degraded habitat in Charman and Goosebird Creeks. This will significantly reduce the risk of flooding and erosion to residents, businesses, and public areas.
The project will include:
- Replacing insufficient culverts to ensure adequate water flow,
- Restoring the creeks to a more naturalized condition for improved drainage,
- Removing the deteriorating manmade obstructions from creeks and restoring the channels to allow for better flow and easier fish passage,
- Lining the bottom of box culverts with creek cobbles and boulders to mimic the natural creek bed and promote fish migration,
- Removing invasive species and restoring the riparian area with native vegetation,
- Replacing failing retaining walls with natural materials such as boulders and large woody debris to provide habitat for invertebrates and add structure to streams,
- Creating spawning areas (where feasible) where springs or seeps are identified,
- Revegetating banks to provide cover and further enhance the stream habitat.
View the the original announcement on the UBCM website at https://t.ly/vobZr
