BC NDP MLA Michele Babchuk says the North Island will be better equipped to defend against climate change

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CORTES ISLAND – BC NDP MLA Michele Babchuk says people across the North Island will be safer during emergencies, with provincial funding that will better equip local governments and First Nations to reduce the risk of disasters.

“With over $1 million of funding for multiple projects across the North Island, including disaster awareness education and firefighting tanks on Cortes Island, we’re equipping our communities with the tools and knowledge they need to face the realities of climate change,” says MLA Michele Babchuk, MLA for the Island.”  “This investment ensures we’re building local capacity and resilience at every level.”

Sixty-five communities across B.C. will receive approximately $56 million for 78 projects from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) through the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream. This funding will help communities tackle current vulnerabilities, minimize the risk of future disasters and support communities to make informed decisions in the future.

In the North Island, the following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding from the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream:

  • Alert Bay – C1: Cormorant Island disaster risk reduction study
    • Amount: $89,002
  • Strathcona Regional District – C1: Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Aerial Imaging; administration and wages to assist First Nations’ projects; Homalco Willow Creek Restoration consultant; Walters Island breakwater condition assessment and aerial imaging. C2: Community disaster awareness education assistant; Cortes Island firefighting tanks public education art; C3: Cortes Island school wetland restoration. Regional partners: Campbell River, Gold River, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Tahsis, Xwemalhkwu (Homalco)
    • Amount: $810,486
  • We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge) – C1: Sea level rise, coastal erosion and groundwater management for Quadra Island and We Wai Kai First Nation
    • Amount: $150,000

The CEPF helps communities to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate-related emergencies by funding local projects and initiatives in several categories. These include disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation, public notification and evacuation-route planning, and emergency operations centre equipment and training.The Province has invested $369 million into the CEPF since its establishment in 2017. Approximately $279 million has been provided to local governments and First Nations through the CEPF for approximately 2,100 projects. This includes approximately $176 million to support disaster-mitigation and climate-adaptation projects.