(file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

$450,000

District calls on ministry to pay for creek moving project

Feb 14, 2023 | 3:21 PM

Coldstream council is not ready to foot the bill for a costly project to re-align Coldstream Creek in the Lavington area.

At its meeting Monday, Feb. 13, council rejected a staff recommendation to proceed with detailed design, permitting, and construction of moving Coldstream Creek back to its pre‐2018 channel and restoration of the wetland.

The project is estimated to cost $450,000 with staff suggesting gas tax funds be used to pay for it.

Instead, council directed staff to send a letter to the Ministry of Forests requesting the ministry restore the creek to its pre-2018 channel near the Lavington wetland.

Vernon Matters reached out to Mayor Ruth Hoyte for further details on council’s decision.

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Hoyte says Coldstream has no jurisdiction over waterways like Coldstream Creek.

“It is the province’s responsibility. And I think council felt we need to look after our taxpayers, [so] we would at least ask the province if they would contribute, or do the work, on channelling the creek,” Hoyte explained.

Hoyte said the municipality has money set aside for the project but felt it was prudent to first ask the province if they would get involved as it’s their jurisdiction.

“It’s our duty and responsiblity to look after the taxpayers. And if we can use the money set aside for [other projects] coming up in the future, why not? If you don’t ask, you can’t receive,” Hoyte stated.

The ministries of Forests and Transportation and Infrastructure have recommended the district undertake the project as the current creek alignment is damaging Highway 6 and the surrounding wetlands.

A staff report to council said restoration of the creek will involve dredging with a small excavator to limit the impact on the riparian vegetation. The creek bed will be dropped by an average of 30 cm over the length of approximately 250 meters.

The cost estimate for the project rose from $300,000 in 2021, to $450,000 this year due to inflation.