The Mission Creek Restoration Initiative (MCRI) is cross-jurisdictional group that has come together with the broad goal of improving the environmental values of Mission Creek and its riparian lands. The MCRI enjoys the support and active participation from First Nations, local government, environmental agencies, community groups and individuals. This MCRI work has already demonstrated the value of collaboration in purchasing riparian lands, facilitating habitat restoration, funding scientific survey work and more – all of this to help restore Kokanee stocks, provide community flood protection, and to improve habitat for wildlife and species at risk.
The Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) has been a contributing member of the MCRI from the outset, and since 2015 we have played a key role is securing grant funding and other community donations in order to move the project forward. Part of that work turned around the establishment of a set-back dike of more than 500M. This work helps provide flood protection, allowed for the re-establishment of side channels that are used by spawning Kokanee, rainbow trout and other fish species, and it also strengthens the overall health of the Mission Creek riparian lands.
With the purchase of these lands by the Regional District Central Okanagan and the City of Kelowna, the Central Okanagan Land Trust worked with the City of Kelowna to establish a Conservation Covenant on the dike set-back lands. This covenant forms part of the City’s and the Regional District’s commitment to stabilizing and improving the Mission Creek function as a critical wildlife corridor and community amenity in the area’s rapidly densifying landscape.
COLT continues to work with its MCRI partners to monitor and improve the health of these lands.
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