Restoration of a section of Bowker Creek that flows along the Oak Bay High School property was unveiled to the public yesterday.
The project features include a winding creek that mimics a more natural watercourse, native plantings, an accessible pathway, a viewing area, and an outdoor classroom.
The creek restoration is one of ten short-term actions in the Bowker Creek Blueprint – a 100-year vision for restoring the health of this highly urbanized watershed. Restoration is expected to significantly increase overall creek health by improving water quality, habitat and flow conveyance. Restoration will also reduce downstream flooding and improve climate adaptability.
This Bowker Creek restoration project was made possible thanks to a $738,000 contribution from the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The Government of Canada provides $253,276,892 in annual funding for municipal infrastructure in British Columbia through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development:
“Through this restoration project, we have cultivated a beautiful green space for community connections and student studies, while at the same time putting in place infrastructure to protect the health of this area and improve its long-term sustainability and natural resources.”
https://twitter.com/FassbenderMLA/status/704750690178994176
Federal Gas Tax funding helping to transform Bowker Creek in @DistrictOakBay https://t.co/0Q1b2UjifA @MayorNils pic.twitter.com/02gZEZ9AaJ
— UBCM (@UBCM) March 1, 2016
#FederalGTF flowed through Bowker Creek and helped bring it back to life! https://t.co/HeTSZ0OMdz #OBpulse #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/krPEWEcaYn
— InfrastructureCanada (@INFC_eng) March 1, 2016