Construction of Coastal and River Flood Protection Works to retain recurrent flooding in Tsulquate 4 on Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Territory Project

The proposed project consists of four main components to protect the Tsulquate 4 reserve on Gwa'sala-‘Nakwaxda'xw Territory from flooding:

1. A sea dike with a flat engineered beach along the foreshore slope connected to a river dike along the Lower Tsulquate River;

2. The area behind the new dikes would be raised to the flood construction levels;

3. Existing houses and services will need to be raised or replaced;

4. The bridge river crossing at the Lower Tsulquate River would need to be raised to protect against bridge wash out from flooding with new bridge approaches.

The Gwa?sala-?Nakwaxda?xw community near Port Hardy BC is subject to recurring coastal and river flooding. Floods in the past have flooded portions of the community causing extensive damage to residential areas. With the onset of sea level rise the frequency of this low lying community is expected to increase. Flood mapping to define the consequences of the hazard have been completed along with mitigation options. The most cost effective and sustainable option of an Engineered Beach and River Dike has been selected and a preliminary design prepared. This work would include replacement of the sole bridge and raising lands behind the new dike and rebuilding the lower community at a higher flood construction level.

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Latest update

February 7, 2025 - Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) have determined that the proposed Construction of Coastal and River Flood Protection Works to retain recurrent flooding in Tsulquate 4 on Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Territory Project (the Project) is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

  • Impacts on rights of Indigenous peoples;
  • Indigenous knowledge;
  • community knowledge;
  • comments received from the public; and
  • technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

Mitigation and monitoring measures taken into account for this determination included active and adaptive management measures that would be implemented for the protection of local environmental.  Based on the consideration of these measures, HICC and DFO are satisfied that that the carrying out of the Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Therefore, HICC and DFO may carry out the Project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the Project to be carried out in whole or in part.

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Contacts

Stéfanie Larose, Junior Environmental Review Officer
180 Kent St
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5P5
Telephone: 343-596-7166
Email: stefanie.larose@infc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Construction of Coastal and River Flood Protection Works to retain recurrent flooding in Tsulquate 4 on Gwa?sala-?Nakwaxda?xw Territory Project (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Water Management
    • Bridges

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2023-02-13

  • Proponent

    Kawatsi Economic Development Limited Partnership

  • Authorities

    • Fisheries and Oceans Canada
    • Infrastructure Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    84326

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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