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Cranbrook gets $5M grant for Gold Creek dam project

The City of Cranbrook was awarded a grant for Gold Creek dam replacement project
gold-creek-dam
The Gold Creek Dam south of Cranbrook. Photo courtesy City of Cranbrook.

Cranbrook has been awarded a $5 million grant to go towards the replacement of the century-old Gold Creek Dam, a critical piece of Cranbrook's water supply infrastructure.

The $14.25 million project is on the books for next year, as city staff and consultants have been working through the design elements and provincial approvals requirements, as the current structure is experiencing significant structural stress and is beyond its useful life.

The new dam will resolve those structural issues as well as expand water storage capacity, which will help towards easing water restrictions, supporting community
growth, and enhancing resilience against climate change and natural disasters.

"This project represents a significant milestone for Cranbrook as it secures our community's water supply for generations," said Mayor Wayne Price, in a provincial news release. "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 funding was granted through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation funding stream of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), which is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. In this latest announcement, $19 million is being distributed to 46 projects across the province.

"B.C. is on the front lines of climate change, and investing in disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation has never been more critical," said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. "We are taking action to build stronger, safer communities that are better prepared to protect people for generations to come."

The Gold Creek Dam is currently in the 2025 municipal budget as a capital project that is expected to be funded through grants and borrowing. If no other grant applications are successful, the city will be looking to borrow roughly $9.25 million.

Based on the grant parameters, 50 per cent will be provided up front, while the remainder will be paid when the project is completed and a final report and financial summary is provided to UBCM. 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,” says 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.”

Creston also received a grant from the same funding stream that includes $150,000 towards a hazard, risk and vulnerability assessment.

According to the province, $369 million has been invested into the CEPF since it was established in 2017.

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Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
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