$23 million in funding announced for B.C. communities’ disaster risk reduction

VICTORIA — More than 40 B.C. communities will receive funding to better protect against natural disasters and climate change.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is releasing $23.4 million to 49 First Nations and local governments throughout the province to prepare for, mitigate and respond to climate-related emergencies, states a news release.

Funding can be used for risk mapping, land-use planning, purchasing equipment, delivering community education and small-scale structural projects.

Projects that will receive funding include the design of upgrades for the Chilliwack Creek drainage pump station, a new dike on the Coldwater River in Merritt, disaster risk assessment for T’lat’lasik’wala First Nations, misting stations in Victoria and dike-breach modelling in Squamish, the release reads.

Intake for the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream is currently open and will close on Feb. 24.

“The climate crisis will continue to increase the risk of natural disasters in British Columbia over the years ahead. Local governments and First Nations are important partners in ensuring that communities are prepared for what will come,” said Bowinn Ma, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, in the release.