Grant applications aim to reduce RDN contribution to decommission of Coats Marsh weir

Rachelle Stein-Wotten

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder

Grant applications are in process for the Coats Marsh weir decommissioning project that, if successful, will reduce taxpayer contributions, according to Regional District of Nanaimo staff.

The RDN has applied for a Watershed Security Fund grant for $150,000. The fund was announced as a collaboration between the Province of BC and BC First Nations Water Table and has an initial investment from the province of $100 million for projects that prioritize reconciliation, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and sustainable economies. Recipients of the first round of funding will be announced in September.

If the RDN’s application is successful, funding will be put toward the construction costs of the weir project, according to Amy Gore, RDN superintendent of parks planning and development.

The RDN also applied for, and received, a $7,500 BC Hydro ReGreening grant in the first half of 2024 but withdrew the application when it was decided the decommissioning project would be delayed until 2025 in order to revise the decommissioning plan to respond to public comments. The RDN said BC Hydro advised the regional district to re-apply in 2025. The ReGreening program is open to all municipal and Indigenous Nations’ governments within BC Hydro’s service area to support planting trees and other vegetation that help enhance ecological networks. Part of the Coats Marsh project includes a native species replanting plan following construction.

The current total budget for the Coats Marsh decommissioning project is $1,016,282. “Any grant funding received will decrease the amount of funding the RDN contributes to the project,” Gore said. So far, $195,000 has been spent on the project. Currently, construction tendering is scheduled for April-May 2025 followed by construction late summer/fall 2025.