The City of Castlegar will update its floodplan mapping and hazard risk assessments with help from a $400,000 provincial grant.
The work will include six upland catchments that flow through the community – Bloomer, Merry, Killough, Schofield, and unnamed creeks, along with the catchment that crosses Arrow Lakes Drive. The city says the assessment will evaluate hydrology, infrastructure, and potential risks, explicitly focusing on impacts to city infrastructure.
The project will help the city understand and address potential flooding and geohazards, supporting long-term infrastructure planning and climate adaptation efforts, the city said in a news release.
“This project supports our commitment to governance and service excellence by using sound planning and data to guide decisions that protect our community,” said Ryan Niddery, manager of engineering and infrastructure. “By better understanding our flood risks, we can manage city assets responsibly, strengthen public safety, and ensure Castlegar remains a resilient community for the future.”
Work is already underway. The city will host an open house later this year to share information and gather feedback from the community. Incorporating Indigenous knowledge and perspectives is a key component of the project, the city added.
