The Village of Riverhurst has received government funding for a wetland restoration project.
The funds are being provided through the Government of Canada’s Environmental Damages Fund, which is supported through fines levied on polluters. It will enable the restoration of a once thriving wetland located at the entrance of the village.
"We are grateful to have been awarded this funding,” said Riverhurst mayor Lawny Gustafson in a press release. “One of the main goals of the wetland project is to provide a consistent and controllable water management project that provides flood management and drainage, while at the same time maintaining its traditional wetland function.
"Returning this site to a healthy wetland and providing migratory and shorebird nesting sites is important to the village, residents and community."
The project was spearheaded by the Riverhurst Communities in Bloom committee. The site will include accessible pathways, interpretive signage and close-up access to nature and bird watching, a large, reforested area, pollinator plantings and other recreational amenities.
It is expected that construction will begin this summer, following hydrology, engineering, and biology assessments of the area.
