A major debris flow mitigation project designed to protect Fairmont Hot Springs from future landslide events has officially been completed.
The Cold Spring Creek Debris Flow Mitigation Project, which was celebrated Oct. 8, includes a large containment barrier capable of holding up to 84,000 cubic metres of debris — enough to withstand a 300- to 1,000-year return period event, according to project engineers.
The new barrier stands about eight metres tall and 135 metres long, located above the existing Cold Spring Creek channel. It features a three-metre-wide vertical outlet equipped with steel bars that allow water to flow through while trapping larger debris.
Additional work included the excavation of a sediment basin, diversion of the creek, reinforcement of water lines and the creation of an upstream access road for ongoing maintenance.
$13.6M project funded primarily by grants
The total cost of the project was $13.6 million. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) secured 98.5 per cent of that funding through a combination of federal, provincial and municipal grants.
Key funding sources included:
$750,000 from the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Structural Flood Mitigation Stream (2019)
$150,000 from the Fairmont Flood and Landslide Service Area
$475,000 from Community Works Funds
$9,723,000 from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream (80/20 federal-provincial split)
$2 million from the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation (2023–24)
$500,000 (approximate) from the Growing Communities Fund
Construction began in September 2023.
Federal and provincial officials who supported the project say it plays an important role in climate resilience and community safety.
“Our government is dedicated to ensuring communities are better protected from weather-related events,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, secretary of state (defence procurement) and member of Parliament for Kelowna.
“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.”
B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene also emphasized the long-term benefits.
“This project is an important step toward making the Fairmont Hot Springs community safer by reducing the impacts of future debris flows,” Greene said.
“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.”
Local leaders credit partnerships
Electoral Area F Director Susan Clovechok said the project is a strong example of multiple levels of government working together to act on scientific risk assessments.
“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 the community,” said Clovechok.
“And none of it would have been possible without the tireless efforts and commitment of our staff, project partners and contractors.”
The Cold Spring Creek project is one of several flood and debris mitigation efforts underway across southeastern British Columbia, where mountainous terrain and increasingly volatile weather patterns have increased the risk of debris flows and flash flooding.
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