Public Notice

Lower Similkameen Indian Band Deflection Berms Project – Public Comments Invited

May 14, 2024 – Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) must determine whether the proposed Deflection Berms Project, located near Cawston, BC is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Indigenous Services Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada are inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by June 13, 2024 to:

BC Environment Team

Indigenous Services Canada

bcciarpubliccomments@sac-isc.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

• The Lower Similkameen Indian Band Band is proposing to build two deflection berms on the Similkameen Indian Reserve No. 2.  
• The project scope is to build two earthen berms (630m and 260m long) upslope of existing and planned development to deflect flood waters away from structures downslope.
• The proponent has applied for funding from Indigenous Services Canada's Community Infrastructure Program the construction of the proposed berms.
• The proponent has applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada for a Species at Risk Act permit under section 73(3) for the handling of Schedule 1 listed snake species.