Completion of Debris Flow Mitigation Project Celebrated

The completion of the Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project was officially celebrated in
Fairmont Hot Springs October 8.

The project will significantly reduce the debris flow risk in the community. One of the key components of the project was the construction of a large debris flow barrier that is designed to contain 84,000 cubic meters of debris flow material, which is roughly a 300-1000-year return period event.

The barrier is approximately 8m tall and 135m long above the existing Cold Spring Creek channel with a 3m wide vertical outlet opening at the channel. The outlet includes steel bars that will capture debris but allow water to pass through. Other components of the project included a creek diversion and basin excavation, relocation and reinforcement of water lines, and creation of an access road upstream of the barrier for construction and future maintenance access.

Securing 98.5% grant funding from multiple funding programs, including significant contributions from federal and provincial sources, was crucial to the realization of the $13.6 million project. This essential financial support enabled the Regional District to move forward with a project designed to enhance community safety and substantially mitigate the risk of debris flow, demonstrating the indispensable role of funding in achieving such critical infrastructure goals in small rural communities.

Funding for the project included:

• Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Structural Flood Mitigation Stream (2019)    
  • $750,000
• Fairmont Flood and Landslide Service Area Contribution    
  • $150,000
• Community Works Funds    
  • $475,000
• Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream- Adaptation, Resilience and Disaster Mitigation   
  • $9,723,000
  • (**80/20 Federal / Provincial split**) 
• UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation (2023/2024)    
  • $2,000,000
• Growing Communities Fund (amount is approximate)
  • $500,000

Construction on the project began in September 2023.

Quotes

• “Our government is dedicated to ensuring communities are better protected from weather-related events. This project strengthens community resilience by preventing damage before it happens and avoiding costly disruptions to essential services. We are proud to have supported this project which will safeguard people, local infrastructure, and livelihoods in Fairmont Hot Springs from the devastating impacts of debris flows for years to come.” The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), and Member of Parliament for Kelowna
• “This project is an important step toward making the Fairmont Hot Springs community safer by reducing the impacts of future debris flows. Our government is proud to invest in projects like this which will help protect people, homes and infrastructure and strengthen the community’s resilience for years to come.” The Honourable Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
• “The Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation project is a testament to the importance that all levels of government put on public safety.  From the funding we received from both provincial and federal sources to the support of the regional Board,  this project showcases the importance of partnership at every level in ensuring community safety when scientific evidence demonstrates that there is a significant risk to community,” says RDEK Electoral Area F Director, Susan Clovechok. “And none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts and commitment of our staff, project partners and contractors.”  Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok - Regional District of East Kootenay

Associated Links

• For additional information on the Adaptation, Resilience, and Disaster Mitigation
• Program: www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/renewed-gas-tax-agreement/strategic-priorities- fund.html
• For additional information on the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund: https://www.ubcm.ca/cepf
• Learn more about the Community Works Fund: https://www.ubcm.ca/ccbf-cwf
• For information on the Growing Communities Fund: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/grants- transfers/grants/bc-s-growing-communities-fund