At the UBCM in September the delegation from the City of Kimberley had an opportunity to meet with Ida Chong, Minister for Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

And at the top of the agenda was one of Kimberley's major infrastructure problems - the deteriorating condition of the concrete flood flume on Mark Creek.

Mayor Jim Ogilvie says that it is his understanding that Kimberley will be at the top of the list for the funding intake that occurs in March 2012.

"I think we've convinced them that it's a very important project," Ogilvie said.

He said that of course the City will attempt to get full funding for the project.

"In these hard times I don't know if that's possible. But the worst case would be one third us, one third provincial and one third federal."

The project is looking at a total price tag of somewhere in the neighbourhood of $3.5 million, but it's not as if the City has a choice. The flue is failing and must be replaced.

But it can be looked at as an opportunity, Ogilvie says.

"I think we can take the opportunity here to build ourselves a real asset," he said.

The plan is to take out the concrete and replace it with more natural rip rap, creating some ponds, but still allowing water to flow freely at high water.

"We could make it real attractive," Ogilvie said. "Instead of a steep drop off and ugly concrete, you'd have a more natural creek bank. It could be a place to rest, to enjoy nature. It might even function well for kayacking at high water. It could be a real attraction."

He says there is additional funding available for restoration and eco-system reclamation, which creating a more natural creek bed would fall under.

The beginning of the flume near Deer Park Avenue needs extra work because it doesn't have the capacity to hold a 200-year flood event. So the new creek bed would begin in the area where the painted rocks are located and continue down to where it ends on Jennings Avenue.

It is a fast moving section of the river and the addition of the ponds would slow it down as well as beautify the area.

"I'm looking at this as an opportunity to take a liability and turn it into an asset," Ogilvie said.