Skeena and Lower Kalum River Channel Management Program Phase II

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine will undertake the Skeena and Lower Kalum River Channel Management Program Phase II, updating the current hydrology and hydraulic analysis for the Skeena and Kalum Rivers, allowing the municipality to review the changes within the river and banks since the original study in 2008. This will also provide additional information on the erosion mitigation measures that have been put in place over the past few years and what effects they have had on the rivers. The study area includes the Skeena River from the Zymoetz (Copper) to the Zymagotitz (Zymacord) Rivers and the lower reaches of the Kitsumkalum (Kalum) River. Many residents of the City of Terrace, the Regional District, and the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations, will benefit from this pro-active approach to predict and mitigate against river damage. Fisheries in this area are an important part of the community and therefore as part of this study, the river flow paths will be evaluated for fisheries values in the event mitigation works can include maintaining preferred flows to areas with higher rated environmental characteristics. The potential effect of this portion of the program will be wide spread throughout the community based on everything from food harvesting through the Kitselas and Kitsumkalum First Nations to the economical values of sport fishing. An analysis will also be completed on the bridges (highway and CN) located on the Kitsumkalum River to better understand the effects that they are having on sediment deposition and flooding within the area.Revised floodplain mapping will be produced from the results of the updated modeling to assist the Regional District and the City of Terrace to develop a Greater Terrace Growth Management Strategy by identifying hazardous lands not suitable for further subdivision and development. With our community being located along the banks of the Skeena and Kalum Rivers and with flooding occurring more frequently due to climate change this study will allow better planning and a pro-active approach to erosion and flooding control.