Feds invest in restoration of Summerland’s Trout Creek

A federal investment is going to help with the restoration of Trout Creek in the District of Summerland.

The feds announced that a $563,118 investment will be made to help restore the creek to its natural form and function as it is the primary water source for Summerland and the second largest community watershed in the Okanagan.

The creek used to be 2.5 kilometres wide, but due to channelization in the 1940s and 1970s, and degradation in the years to follow, the creek’s width has shrunk. This has led to the cottonwood forests suffering and the annual salmon runs nearly going extinct.

“To tackle climate change, to shield Canadians from its impacts, and to ensure that wildlife is protected we need to preserve and protect natural ecosystems,” Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, stated.

“Trout Lake plays an incredibly important role and we are proud to partner with the Penticton Indian Band on it. We will keep working with communities across the country to support similar ecosystems.”

The funding will be provided to the Penticton Indian Band, who will widen and restore the creek in an effort bring diverse plants and animals, including salmon, back to the region.

“The Okanagan Nation Alliance has been working hard to bring back the salmon to the Okanagan, and this funding is another step in the continuation of this work,” Chief Greg Gabriel of the Penticton Indian Band said.

“When you look at salmon restoration, the salmon is just one part of a larger vision of creating an ecosystem that works together. We need to give back space to the creeks, we need to allow the water to once again talk to land. This project is part of broader efforts of the Syilx Nation to conserve and restore natural habitats and ecosystems in the region, benefiting both the environment and local communities.”

Funding for this work is being provided through the Natural Infrastructure Fund.