More Than $40 Million Will Help Communities And First Nations Prepare For Climate Emergencies

The Province is offering up more than $40 million for 61 projects to help communities deal with natural and climate-related emergencies.

It is supporting First Nations and local governments with projects that address natural and climate-driven hazards, such as floods, drought, extreme temperatures, earthquakes and landslides.

The money is coming through both the new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program and the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

“The frequency of climate-caused events is increasing, and managing and reducing these risks is essential,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“By supporting communities on these projects, we are helping to better protect these communities and the people who call them home. Our new DRIF program provides reliable, long-term funding so communities can better plan for and address their most pressing disaster-mitigation needs.”

A handful of projects are on the Island, including $400,000 for the City of Courtenay’s Anderton Dike remediation assessment, design and engagement.

The planning phase of the project will determine how to best apply engineering and biology to naturalize the shore to mitigate the risk associated with erosion and flooding.

In addition, the Village of Cumberland will get funding for the Perseverance watershed initiative, which provides hydrometric and soil data to improve understanding of water scarcity, drought and flood issues in the region.

The Strathcona Regional District will use funds to assess the Walters Island water system’s vulnerabilities and develop a more resilient design that reduces the risk of catastrophic water shortages.

Wei Wai Kum First Nation will receive $400,000 for a project that includes a flood-mitigation-and-erosion-control plan, including floodplain mapping, a seismic assessment and an environmental assessment, including consideration of future structural disaster risk-reduction projects.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.