September 27, 2024 – Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada must determine whether the Flood Mitigation Project proposed by the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, located on Chopaka 7 & 8 Indian reserves of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, BC is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada 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 27, 2024 to:

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

 

The Proposed Project

The project's objective is to implement  flood and erosion protection measures to increase Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) resilience to natural disasters. The project consists of building permanent erosion protection measures at two major erosion sites on a dike along the Similkameen River, as well as reclamation and rehabilitation of a wetland area and replacement of a local children's playground.

 

Project works include:

Primary project :

Permanent repairs/reconstruction to ~645 m along the Similkameen Dike

Riprap bank protection upgrades

The conceptualized design will tie into the existing dike, with the construction of  new approximately 645 m of new dike   and installation of riprap erosion protection to areas along the river.

The design will incorporate bio-engineered options such as vegetation or large woody debris (LWD), which are anticipated to enhance vegetation of  the local habitat, and naturalize the area.  

The project is intended to  provide a current and relevant erosion and flood protection design with respect to the estimated 200-year flood elevation, flow velocities, and  stresses along the bank.

 

Sub-project:

Wetland Reclamation*:

Reclamation and rehabilitation of ~46 acres of land to natural infrastructure including a wetland, and a food forest consisting of perennial fruit, nuts and vegetables, as well as planting of native plants, trees and other vegetation. * Note that this portion of the project is not occurring on federal lands and is therefore not included in this assessment.

 

Playground Replacement:

Replacement of an existing children's playground that has been damaged by flooding.