As part of the public-safety funding announced in the 2016 provincial budget, the Province is committing $1.6 million in funding toward a flood mitigation project in the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver that will protect an important, business area and parkland.

The $2.4-million project includes $334,666 from the City of North Vancouver and $474,461 from the District of North Vancouver. The combined funding will help the two local governments build a 1,200-metre-long flood protection dike on both sides of Mackay Creek between Marine Dr. and First St.

The new dike, being built on both the east and west sides in a coordinated manner by the two local governments, will increase public safety and protect adjacent residential, commercial and light-industrial lands, as well as public transportation corridors from flooding and its associated costs in lost business and property damage.

Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2017.

In the 2016 budget, the B.C. government announced $65 million to help keep communities safe, including $15 million for public-safety preparedness and $50 million for community hazard-mitigation projects, such as upgrades to dikes and flood protection.

Leading up to 2016 budget, B.C. had invested significantly in flood mitigation and prevention. Since 2008, the Province has invested in 156 projects worth $145 million in total ($62 million provided provincially, $46 million federally and $37 million in funding from the local authority)

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto –

“Our government values the public safety of all British Columbians. Anything we can do to identify risk and prepare for risk is a step in the right direction. That’s why our government is investing in flood mitigation projects across the province. We are happy to work collaboratively with them to help limit risk our citizens could be exposed to in the unfortunate event a disaster strikes.”

Mayor of the City of North Vancouver Darrell Mussatto –

“With this funding, the City will work with our neighbours to protect our parklands and nearby businesses from future flooding. We are pleased that the dikes will support environmental sustainability by reducing erosion of Mackay Creek to ensure improved creek and fish habitat over the long term.”

Mayor of the District of North Vancouver Richard Walton –

“This project is an excellent example of working together towards a disaster resilient North Shore. Not only will the new flood protection dike prevent damage to businesses and roadways, it also provides the opportunity to restore creek and fish habitat by relocating trails from beside the creek to the top of the dike.”

Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

“This is a great example of co-ordination between two local governments and the Province to minimize the risk and damage from flooding. This is a forward-thinking investment in infrastructure that will keep communities, businesses and people safe.”

Ralph Sultan, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano –

“The Province’s investment will help protect over $300 million of commercial properties and major transportation corridors from a major flooding event.”

Quick Facts:

• Mackay Creek originates on the slopes of Grouse Mountain and flows through both the District of North Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver before flowing into Burrard Inlet.
• The area of the planned new dike has flooded three times in the past 32 years.
• There are commercial and light industrial properties, including Capilano Mall, as well as important transportation routes in the project area.
• Assessed value of private property protected is over $300 million.
• Transportation infrastructure to be protected by the project includes Marine Dr.and 1st St., which are the primary east-west routes for people and goods movement across the North Shore as well as to Port Metro Vancouver.
• The project is expected to improve creek and fish habitat by restoring riparian areas and reducing erosion.
• Creek-side trails will be relocated out of the riparian areas and into adjacent parkland, providing upgraded trails for cyclists and pedestrians and improved access to the Spirit Trail.

Learn More:

B.C. government flood prevention and planning: http://bit.ly/1OkJDa7