The governments of Canada and British Columbia invest in more resilient connections for communities in southeastern B.C.

November 17, 2023 – Golden, British Columbia

Two bridges crossing Kicking Horse River will receive upgrades that make them more resilient to the impacts of climate change, thanks to a combined investment of more than $89.6 million from the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag and Minister Rob Fleming, this project will reduce the risk of damage to essential infrastructure in Golden caused by climate-related events.

Kicking Horse Bridges 1 & 2 cross the river on Highway 95 and act as the sole link for vehicles between the north and south sides of Golden. They also provide a key link between Highways 1 and 3 and several communities along Highway 95 between Golden and Cranbrook. Funding will replace and increase capacity of the Kicking Horse River bridges to withstand the impacts of climate-related events such as ice jams, debris flows, and flooding. The upgrades will prevent the damage and potential loss of important connections that could threaten access to essential goods and services for communities in the area. Project funding will also improve active transportation options on the bridges by constructing multi-use paths that connect to the municipal active transportation network.

Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

The federal government will continue investing in infrastructure to continue growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

“Our government remains committed to building a more resilient Canada. Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund supports proactive improvements to essential public infrastructure that will do exactly that. The funding announced today will reduce the risk of damage caused by climate-related events to two bridges that are integral to the residents of Golden and Highway 95 users. We will continue to invest in disaster and mitigation projects that safeguard Canadians and the infrastructure that keeps our communities running.” – John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale – Langley City

Contacts:

Megan Waddington
Constituency Assistant
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
604-575-6595
john.aldag@parl.gc.ca