Cleaning up Telkwa’s riverbanks could be harder than first anticipated.
Through new Provincial regulations, it’s now the local government’s responsibility to clear its riverbanks.
Telkwa has budgeted $60,000 for tree and brush removal this year, but Council’s not sure how much work lies ahead.
While the Village is tearing out trees, Mayor Darcy Repen says it’s important residents know what’s going on.
“It’s not just a random act where we’re removing trees in the Village. It’s really for the security and safety of residents that we have to maintain that dike and make sure that the integrity is there in case we do have another flood event like we did a few years ago.”
Taking into account the Village’s budget and time-sensitive working season, Repen adds this could take a while.
“We can’t afford to go in and do it all at once so it’s an ongoing process … we have to really be aware of the river and some of the fisheries guidelines. There are times where we’re having salmon smolts coming through or the spawning periods where you have to stay away from activities that may involve the river.”
Three areas of concern are the riverbanks at Cottonwood, Bartlett, and Riverside.
The photo was taken from the BC government’s Flickr page.
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