Three East Kootenay communities will be receiving grant funding for major municipal projects the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness announced Jan. 30.

The City of Cranbrook is getting $5 million for the replacement of the Gold Creek Dam, thanks to a successful grant application through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation funding stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

The Gold Creek Dam (pictured above) Replacement Project involves rebuilding the century-old dam, which has experienced significant structural stress and is beyond its useful life. The new dam will not only resolve these structural issues but also greatly expand water storage capacity, easing water restrictions, supporting community growth, and enhancing resilience against climate change and natural disasters.

The estimated total cost of the dam replacement project is about $14.25 million. This grant will help reduce the amount the city will need to borrow to complete this important infrastructure project down to about $9.25 million.

CEPF is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), and funds projects that support local governments and First Nations to better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from hazards in a changing climate.

“On behalf of the city and of council, I want to thank both UBCM and the Province of British Columbia for their generous support of this vital project. Infrastructure renewal is such a challenge for municipalities right across Canada, and I cannot stress enough how important this funding, and this project is to Cranbrook,” said Mayor Wayne Price.

Fifty per cent of the approved grant will be provided up front, with the remainder of the grant paid when the project is complete, and the final report and financial summary is provided to the UBCM by January 2027.

Project activities must be completed within two years.

“This project represents a significant milestone for Cranbrook, as it secures our community’s water supply for generations,” said Curtis Mummery, Manager of Roads, and Infrastructure.

“Ensuring a reliable and resilient water system will empower Cranbrook to continue its growth and development while preparing for challenges posed by climate change. This is a proactive step to safeguard our future and maintain the essential resources our community relies on.”

The provincial government today reported 39 communities throughout B.C. will receive more than $19 million for 46 projects from CEPF through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation (DRR-CA) stream.

This funding will reduce the impact of future climate disasters by helping communities address current vulnerabilities and by supporting informed planning and decision-making, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness said.

Also receiving funding in the East Kootenay and area are:

District of Invermere – $810,000 for Toby Creek dike upgrades;

Village of Canal Flats – $400,000 for Phase 1 dike improvement project;

Town of Creston – $150,000 for hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment.

“As climate change accelerates, the impacts of natural disasters on our communities are rapidly increasing, said Trish Mandewo, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) president and councillor. “Programs like the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund help support local governments as they prepare the infrastructure needed to help B.C. residents withstand emergencies. The variety of projects approved across the province gives a hint of the magnitude of work ahead of us to continue building resilient communities.”

Find information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

City of Cranbrook photo

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