kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and City of Coquitlam Announce Joint Flood Mitigation Project to Protect Community Lands and Resources

Members of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation are relieved and hopeful after confirming a joint investment of more than $19.9 million from the federal and provincial governments, the City of Coquitlam and their own contribution. The Joint Flood Mitigation Project will provide diking infrastructure improvements and flood prevention measures along the Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers over the course of approximately six years.

In the early 20th Century, the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm community of slakəyánc (IR1) was left unprotected by diking infrastructure built to safeguard ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park, formerly Colony Farm Regional Park. Since 1909, slakəyánc, has flooded at least 21 times from winter flooding on the Coquitlam River and freshet flooding on the Fraser River. Currently, the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm community is at constant risk of flooding from both rivers.

“Our community of slakəyánc has faced significant flood risks for many years,” shares Councillor John Peters, who is responsible for Emergency Management at kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation. “The funding support from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program will help to protect our community from the growing risks of flooding along the confluence of the Coquitlam and Fraser Rivers. Investing in climate adaptation is crucial to safeguarding our people and the lands we have cared for since time immemorial. This funding will allow us to work in partnership with the City of Coquitlam to upgrade critical flood protection infrastructure for our Nation and the surrounding region. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient future for everyone.”

Funding will allow the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation and the City of Coquitlam to upgrade the area’s existing flood protection network and construct enhanced dikes, raising portions of the existing dike by two meters. The Joint Flood Mitigation Project will also strengthen fish habitat and install new flood boxes to support water connectivity through the dike and local drainage system and prevent back flow.

“Flooding in our community has been a serious issue for several decades now due to rising levels of water from the Coquitlam Lake Watershed, diking and increased rainfall caused by climate change,” says George Chaffee, Councillor for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation. “With this funding and the substantial improvements that will result from this project, we are working with our regional partners to ensure that these historical wrongs are finally addressed.”

The federal government is investing $11,487,350 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is investing $4,827,684, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation is contributing $992,966, and the City of Coquitlam is contributing $2,670,000 to the project.

In addition to protecting the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation lands, dike improvements will strengthen the relationships with the City of Coquitlam, fostering slakəyánc community resilience by safeguarding and restoring sacred sites, local waterways and ecosystems.

Quotes

“Investments in disaster mitigation infrastructure are essential to building more adaptable, resilient communities. Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam’s coordinated improvements to flood mitigation infrastructure will help them collectively adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while protecting what matters most to their communities.”

Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Extreme weather events such as flooding are becoming more common, threatening communities, people and wildlife in British Columbia. Through the joint flood mitigation program, we are working with Kwikwetlem First Nation and Coquitlam to protect our communities and sacred sites from climate-related threats. These infrastructure improvements will provide a lasting defence against flooding and preserve local fish habitats, to make it safer for both people and ecosystems.”

The Honourable Bowinn Ma, B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

“Metro Vancouver is pleased to see federal and provincial funding support for Indigenous and local government leadership in the management of our freshwater resources and flood protection infrastructure. Flood protection is a high priority, and we look forward to working with the City of Coquitlam and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation) to protect ƛ̓éxətəm Regional Park and the surrounding area from the impacts of climate change and other flooding risks.”

Mike Hurley, Metro Vancouver Board Chair

“Municipalities and First Nations are on the front line of responding to the impacts of climate change, witnessing first-hand the devastating effects of flooding on communities across the Province. The City is grateful for the grant funding that supports our continued flood mitigation efforts, undertaken in close partnership with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm. Our collective action in planning and preparing for flood events underscores our shared commitment to safeguarding our communities, and reducing the risks they face.”

His Worship Richard Stewart, Mayor of the City of Coquitlam

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