The Federal government is investing more than $3.2 million in coastline protection for Gilford Island.
According to the government of Canada, its current shoreline protection was built in the 1960s and is highly vulnerable to the impacts of a rapidly changing climate and erosion.
The island’s village of Gwa’yas’dums is threatened by flooding due to rising sea levels and storm surges.
The new project will include two key elements: a bio-engineered slope and armouring the shore with riprap (human-placed rocks and natural materials used to protect shoreline structures from erosion).
These efforts will help mitigate the effects of coastal flooding on the community’s infrastructure and essential services.
Ḵwiḵwa̱sut’inux̱w Ha̱xwa’mis First Nation Hereditary Chief Rick Johnson says, “We are profoundly proud to stand in partnership with the government on this vital initiative. This project is a tangible result of what can be accomplished when we walk together, side-by-side, in a spirit of respect and collaboration.”
