The City of Penticton has received grant approval from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation in the amount of $63,680 to begin planning the rehabilitation of Penticton Creek, the third-largest tributary of Okanagan Lake.

“Sustainability and economic activity are key factors in revitalizing Downtown Penticton and the community as a whole, and Penticton Creek rehabilitation is a huge step toward realizing both of those goals,” said Acting Mayor Garry Litke.

“The City of Penticton recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and anglers, hunters, trappers and guides who contribute to the Trust, for making a significant financial contribution to support the Penticton Creek rehabilitation project. Without such support, this project would not have been possible.”

The Penticton Creek Restoration Initiative is focused on improving kokanee and rainbow trout habitat in Penticton Creek, with the aim of increasing fish production in Okanagan Lake and the associated recreational fishery as well as enhancing the economic and natural values for the local community. To restore a higher level of fish production without compromising flood protection, the City of Penticton will work alongside senior governments and non-government organizations to develop and implement a long-term restoration plan for Penticton Creek.

Given the large scope of the project, the first year of the initiative will focus on restoration design development and finalizing an implementation strategy under the guidance of a stakeholder committee. All designs will be guided by current and projected flood control requirements and current best practices in restoration.
The rehabilitation of Penticton Creek was identified during Downtown Plan consultations as among the top priorities for residents and businesses, and has been identified among the long- term Downtown 101 action items to be completed for revitalizing the downtown. The primary section of creek being considered for this project runs through the urban core of Penticton.

The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation with a mission to invest in projects that maintain and enhance the health and biological diversity of British Columbia’s fish, wildlife, and habitats so that people can use, enjoy, and benefit from these resources.

The foundation acts as trustee of the Habitat Conservation Trust, which came into existence because its major contributors (hunters, anglers, trappers and guide-outfitters) were willing to pay for conservation work above and beyond that expected by government for basic management of wildlife and fish resources.

For more details about the proposed Downtown Plan, visit www.penticton.ca/downtown.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013