Tofino – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says that funding through BC’s Economic Recovery Plan will help restore riparian and wetland areas while creating 25 jobs and protecting the natural environment for future generations.

“The people of the west coast love where we live, but we know it takes work to keep it as beautiful as it is.” said MLA Osborne. “This partnership between the Central Westcoast Forest Society and the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations will go a long way in protecting and restoring salmon habitat and strengthening river banks while creating jobs that people can be proud of.”

The Central Westcoast Forest Society will work with the Hesquiaht, Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations to implement bioengineering approaches, including managing woody debris and riparian planting, to reduce erosion and restore critical salmon habitat in the Clayoquot Sound. This project will support at least 25 jobs and provide technical training and certification to workers.

This project is one of 70 local watershed and wetland initiatives recently announced by the BC New Democrat government. Through StrongerBC: BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, $27 million has been dedicated to ensure B.C.’s water ways stay healthy and resilient in a changing climate, while at the same time stimulating economic recovery by creating 750 new jobs.

The projects were identified by Watersheds BC in collaboration with partners throughout the province. Many projects are either being led by or implemented in partnership with Indigenous communities.

This initiative is part of B.C.’s $10-billion COVID-19 response, which includes StrongerBC — a plan that protects people’s health and livelihoods while supporting businesses and communities.