September 13^th, 2024 – Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada must determine whether the proposed Wetland restoration on ?aq?am lands (Kootenay IR 1) project near Cranbrook, BC is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesCanada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website (https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/Protection?culture=en-CA).

Written comments must be submitted by October 13^th, 2024 to:

Marika Haspeck, Environmental Review Officer, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

The Proposed Project

The proposed project is to restore 6 wetlands on ?aq?am lands, specifically Kootenay No. 1 reserve, home of ?aq?am First Nation. These wetlands have been identified by  ?aq?am First Nation  for restoration in a time of increasing heat, drought, and wildfire risk. ?aq?am First Nation  has identified that  loss of surface water has resulted in the degradation of habitat for species at risk and culturally important species, and storage of seasonal water flows. The goal of the restoration of these wetlands is to return the lands to a more natural state in which wildlife and native plants species may  be positively impacted.  Additionally, the restoration will aim to enhance the efficiency and function of ecological processes, working to improve groundwater infiltration and replenishment, and enhance biodiversity of the surrounding environment.

Features such as boulders, coarse woody debris and other woody plants along with aquatic plants will be added to enhance the restoration areas.  The intention is that the project will increase  available water to help fight wildfires, provide wildlife with drinking water, and help plants grow, which can  be a food source for wildlife.  The  overall objective is to reverse the trend of water loss in ?aq?am wetlands.

Project works include:

1. Excavation to the ground water table to  allow for ground de-compaction and for water to reach the surface to provide aquatic habitat for wildlife.
2. Forest Thinning to reduce water uptake by conifers, increase surface flow and groundwater recharge.
3. Undertaking of a hydrological study to assess how water moves across the landscape and how the water hydrology has changed over time as well as looking at the affects water licenses upstream have on groundwater recharge.

The total area of the wetlands that will be impacted by the project is 190, 000 m2 (19 hectares).

Project activities:

•             Construction or restoration of naturalised water retention or detention systems

•             Natural infrastructure or hybrid infrastructure projects supporting biodiversity and connectivity

Project locations:

•             Unnamed wetland

•             Stink Lake

•             Francis Lake

•             Long Lake

•             Twin Lakes

•             Airport wetland