Caldwell First Nation and the Federal Government partner to upgrade the Hillman Marsh Southern Dyke and protect nearby communities

Press Release

From: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Leamington, Ontario, August 28, 2024 — Caldwell First Nation is upgrading the Hillman Marshland’s southern dyke to protect vulnerable lands, after an investment of over $15 million from the federal government.

A dyke is an embankment or barrier designed to prevent water from overflowing onto land. It is a crucial element for protecting low-lying areas from flooding, especially in regions prone to heavy rainfall, storm surges, or rising water levels. The community is reinforcing their dyke to prevent potential flooding of over 3440 hectares, which includes numerous buildings, businesses, and infrastructure on both First Nation and municipal land.

Making adaptation investments not only keeps communities safe but will also have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

Quotes

“The improvements to the dyke in Hillman Marshland will provide Caldwell First Nation with better protection and safety from flooding. Climate change is a significant challenge for the community and the dyke will help combat erosion from more severe weather events.”

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Coming from a community that has experienced the devastation of flooding, I am proud to work with our federal government and local partners to deliver record flood mitigation funding to protect our communities across our region. The upgrades to Hillman Marshland’s dyke are vital for protecting our community and farmland, as climate change has intensified flooding risks, making these enhancements crucial for safeguarding thousands of acres and ensuring the future resilience of our region.”

Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh

“Protecting and stewarding lands and waters for the benefit of all beings, especially our citizens, is a priority for Caldwell First Nation. This dyke repair is one of many essential actions we are taking with our partners during this time when we are all experiencing the impacts of climate change in Southwestern Ontario,”

Chief Mary Duckworth, Caldwell First Nation

“We were able to create this opportunity because of the strong and mutually beneficial relationships we have fostered with Ontario First Nations Technical Services, Federal government, the municipality of Leamington, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority who join us in affirming the need to take action now to repair the dyke and ensure the safety of all who live nearby from floods and erosion.”

Douglas Heil, Councillor, Caldwell First Nation

“The Municipality of Leamington is always appreciative of funding that improves the quality of life and safety of its residents, and the reinforcement of the southern dyke at Hillman Marshland is a critical step in the protection of our community. We are also proud to continue to support and partner with our friend and neighbour, Caldwell First Nation, in their stewardship of the lands on which we live, play and work.”

Hilda MacDonald, Mayor, Municipality of Leamington

“We are pleased to be able to assist in facilitating this protection system partnering with the Federal Government, the Municipality of Leamington and most importantly, Caldwell First Nation and the local rate payers within this watershed basin area of the Hillman Marsh. We collectively have struggled for many years with attempting to mitigate the impacts of climate change and flood and erosion hazards on the Polders area and now, have fortunately, with the strong partnership of all of the above, have secured funding to proceed with a protection system that will be sustainable.”

Tim Byrne, CAO/Secretary-Treasurer, Essex Region Conservation Authority

Quick facts

• The federal government is investing over $15 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).
• Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.
• To date, over $2.58 billion has been announced for 98 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe.
• This program supports projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.
• Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 million in total eligible costs to be considered eligible.
• On November 24th, 2022, the federal government released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.
• As part of the Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund received an additional $489.1 million in funding.

Associated links

• Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
• Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario

Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Mary-Jo Rusu
Governance Executive
Caldwell First Nation
Phone: 519-329-2364
Email: Gov.exec@caldwellfirstnation.ca
Folow us: @Caldwell First Nation on YouTube
Web: https://www.caldwellfirstnation.ca

Kelly Sfetkidis
Manager of Communications and Public Relations
519-326-5761 ext. 1117

Danielle Breault Stuebing
Director, Communications & Outreach Services
519-776-5209 ext.352
dstuebing@erca.org

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