LUMBY– BC NDP MLA Harwinder Sandhu says new provincial funding for a local project means Lumby will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.

“While springtime brings a sense of joy and renewal for many, it also signals a heightened risk of flooding for communities like the Village of Lumby,” says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “As someone who has long advocated for climate resilience and the protection of our rural and natural environments, I am proud to see this critical investment moving forward. It builds on the $15 million previously secured for fire mitigation and watershed protection in the Duteau Creek watershed, demonstrating our government’s ongoing commitment to proactive, long-term solutions. This is not just about managing seasonal challenges; it’s about protecting homes, ecosystems, and livelihoods today, while securing a safer, stronger future for the people of Lumby and beyond.”

The Village of Lumby will be receiving $400,000 for their Duteau Creek flood mitigation works preliminary design project. The project is a continuation of the village’s flood mitigation plan that will reduce the risk of flooding and increase resilience. A proposed new dike will provide structural flood mitigation to the project area.

Across B.C., 46 communities are receiving approximately $41 million for 61 projects. The projects will help reduce the impact of future climate disasters by addressing current vulnerabilities and by supporting informed planning and decision making.

The new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program provides support to First Nations and local governments for projects that will enhance their ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.

Since 2017, provincial funding programs have provided more than $540 million for about 2,660 disaster preparedness and mitigation projects.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0019-000438