THOMPSON-NICOLA REGIONAL DISTRICT, BC,
June 20,
2024 /CNW/ - The Lower Nicola Indian Band is
revitalizing natural green spaces and completing bank stabilization
with an investment of $190,000 from
the federal government.
The funding supports planting various types of trees, shrubs,
flowers, and grass at several locations on different reserves that
were disturbed by the flooding event in Merritt in 2021. The revegetation efforts aim
to increase biodiversity on the reserves and manage invasive
species encroaching in certain areas, specifically blue weed.
Additionally, completing bank stabilization will safeguard the
ecosystem and support the breeding habitat of the salmon population
in the creek, while also mitigating future flood risks.
Quotes
"We are incredibly proud to partner with the Lower Nicola Indian
Band Reserve on this project. It will not help the community become
more resilient to climate change, but also foster a deeper
connection to nature while safeguarding the environment for
generations to come.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing,
Infrastructure and Communities
"Lower Nicola Indian Band is
pleased to accept the funding and use to revegetate and beautify
the reserves through the planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and
grass. Given the unfortunate natural events that took place, this
opportunity will increase our resiliency to deal with future events
and make the reserves a more beautiful place."
Adam Ova, Economic Development Project Manager, Lower Indian
Nicola Band
Quick Facts
- The federal government is investing $190,000 in this
project through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF).
- The Lower Nicola Indian Band oversees 10 reserves, of which
four will receive revegetation upgrades. These include Nicola
Mameet IR No.1, Joeyaska IR No. 2, Hamilton IR No.7, and Zoht IR
No.4.
- The Natural Infrastructure Fund supports projects that use
natural or hybrid approaches to increase resilience to climate
change, mitigate carbon emissions, protect and preserve
biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and promote Canadians' access
to nature.
- Examples of natural infrastructure include urban forests,
street trees, wetlands, living dikes, bioswales, and naturalized
coastal restoration.
- Hybrid infrastructure incorporates elements of engineered grey
infrastructure to enhance or support natural infrastructure and/or
the use of ecosystem processes. Examples of hybrid infrastructure
include green roofs and walls, and naturalized stormwater
ponds.
- A minimum of 10% of the overall program envelope will be
allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
Associated Links
Natural Infrastructure Fund
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/nif-fin/index-eng.html
Strengthened Climate Plan
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and
LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada