The Town of Ladysmith is receiving $2.75 million in provincial funding to remove one weir in Holland Creek and upgrade two others to strengthen its defences against flooding.
According to a press release from the town, the work, slated to be done this summer, will help “mitigate the potential natural disaster risk posed to the Holland Creek weirs in the face of inclement weather resulting from climate change.”
Following a dam safety review last year, the town’s engineering consultant recommended the work, and the town was subsequently successful in its application to the community emergency preparedness fund to fully cover the project budget.
The town says it will now proceed with deconstructing the weir near the Mackie Road entrance to the trail system, which is expected to “restore the creek bed, providing a more natural passage of water and improved conditions for aquatic habitat.”
The middle weir and intake weir further upstream will be upgraded to reduce risk of structural failure and improve water supply operations for the town, Stz’uminus First Nation and the Diamond Water Improvement District.
“The decommissioning of the lower weir along with upgrades and repairs to two other low-head dams … [will] help remove the risk of erosion along the banks, improve restoration of the creek supporting aquatic habitat, and ensure the continued enjoyment of the trail system,” said Mayor Aaron Stone in a press release.
The work is scheduled to be completed between June and September, and the town said it will provide updates about any related trail closures.
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