The District of Squamish has received $4,049,878 grant from the federal government for a Xwu’nekw Park sea dike along the Mamquam Blind Channel.
The funding will allow for the construction of 200-metres of new sea dike that will upgrade the shoreline and improve coastal flood protection for Downtown Squamish.
Xwu’nekw Park is surrounded by ongoing and future land development including the Sirocco development and the Waterfront Landing pedestrian bridge.
The District’s Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan identifies the construction of a new sea dike as a priority in order to meet Provincial standards for protecting the community from coastal flood hazards.
The project will be built to accommodate a projected one-metre of sea level rise by 2100, and will incorporate environmental enhancement features to support the marine habitat.
The total cost of this project is estimated at $5-million. The project will be funded primarily through grant funding with the remainder funded by the municipal budget.
“This is incredible news for all of Squamish as we proactively prepare for and undertake climate change adaptation,” said Mayor Karen Elliott.
Two initial design concepts for the sea wall and plans for interim park improvements at Xwu’nekw Park have been developed.
