Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir
KAMLOOPS – A new stormwater collection system on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Louis Centre lands to build community resilience and protect habitats for local wildlife after an investment of $1 million from the federal government.
The project involves the construction of a natural detention pond, which will help manage urban runoff from Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Louis Centre lands during periods of heavy rainfall. By allowing large flows of water to enter and temporarily store in the detention pond, the flow of runoff entering the South Thompson River will be slowed down. Reducing peak flow rates into the river will help prevent flooding, address existing bank erosion, and mitigate potential future erosion.
In addition to its stormwater management capabilities, the project has placed public use and community social interactions at the core of its design. New features will include trails, interpretive signage and benches around the perimeter to allow the general public to interact with this new waterfront feature.
“We truly appreciate these investments in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc leading-edge, sustainable, and climate-resilient green infrastructure project. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Stormwater Management initiative supports new development on the Chief Louis Centre lands through a green infrastructure approach that will bring together the natural environment and public spaces. The facility will help protect the South Thompson River against the impacts of urbanization by improving runoff water quality, prevent flooding, mitigate erosion risk, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Integrated Stormwater management is a meaningful component of a broader holistic approach that TteS is taking on as stewards of the environment. Respect for the land, water, air, and all people are foundational to building good relationships where we all benefit and succeed,” said Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir.
The federal government is investing $1,000,000 in this project through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF), and the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc are contributing $400,000.
Source: newswire.ca