MP Weiler announces $19 million upgrades for Brennan Park and Brackendale dike

Local MP Patrick Weiler and MLA Susie Chant announced a combined investment of more than $19 million from the federal and provincial governments for the Brennan Park and Brackendale dike upgrades. Funding will upgrade the building envelope to improve its energy efficiency and indoor air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The project includes upgrades to approximately 153 meters of the building’s exterior, including windows, doors, insulation, air barriers, seismic performance, electrical systems, and signage. These enhancements will help reduce heating and cooling costs and minimize the environmental footprint.

This is the first of several phases of construction planned over the next two years to retrofit the building. The second project will include upgrades to the Squamish River Dike at Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough was established as the highest priority diking project in the community to improve flood protection standards.

This project will raise approximately 900 metres of the Squamish River dike on private land between Wai’wakum Reserve and Aik’wuck’s, widen the dike crest from four metres to six metres, provide rip-rap erosion protection for the raised portion of the dike, add a new vehicle turnout, and upgrade one access ramp.

“Investing in infrastructure is critical to accommodate growing populations in communities like Squamish, while ensuring residents are kept safe in a rapidly changing climate. The Government of Canada is investing in the Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough Dike Upgrade to protect Squamish from the risk of flooding,” said Patrick Weiler.

“The Brennan Park Recreation Centre is being retrofitted to reduce emissions and to save money over the long term on the operations of this well-used facility. With a federal commitment of over $7.8 million, projects like these exemplify how we can make generational investments to build sustainable communities for everyone to enjoy.’

Mayor Armand Hurford said the funding will support community resiliency and well-being by improving the recreational facility and highest priority diking project in the District of Squamish.

“Upgrades to both of these assets have been desired by Squamish residents for many years, and we thank our federal and provincial partners for bringing us closer to achieving our community vision.”