KEPO Thanks Tekakwitha Island and Bay Restoration Project Contributors

07/26/2023

The Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) held a Press Conference today, to celebrate the completion of the Tekakwitha Island and Bay Restoration Project. Attendees gathered at the Observation Platform overlooking the Linear Pond Marsh where project supporters and funding partners were recognized and thanked for their contributions.

“We are very excited to have achieved this milestone,” said Environment Portfolio Chief Cody Diabo. “As Kahnawa’kehró:non our connection to the water is important, and we hope that these improvements will continue to benefit our community members for years to come.”

“The completed project will improve water flow through the bay to improve conditions for paddling, fishing, and wildlife, and diversify the wildlife on the island,” added Patrick Ragaz, General Manager of Field Science. “We look forward to continuing to monitor and enhance environmental features in Kahnawà:ke for the benefit of wildlife and community members.”

The project began more than 10 years ago, to assess why the bay was filling with sediment. This was followed by studies to assess water flow, wildlife, complete design models and impact assessments, as well as work to secure funding for the project. Construction began in 2020 and was completed in late 2022 by local contractor, RML Landscaping. To see a detailed project overview, visit KEPO’s new project page at https://ow.ly/y2nu50P8Xft.