CHEMAINUS – BC NDP MLA Debra Toporowski says new provincial funding for a local project means the area around the Chemainus River and watershed will be better able to withstand natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.

“Planning for natural disasters is part of what it takes to build resilient communities,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “This funding will help protect our critical Chemainus River watershed and the people and infrastructure around the river if disaster strikes.”

The Halalt First Nation is receiving $400,000 for the Silaqwa’ulh (Chemainus) Riverscape and Flood Resilience Project, which focusses on flood mitigation and climate resilience in the lower Chemainus River watershed.

Across B.C., 10 communities are receiving approximately $18 million for disaster and climate resiliency projects. These 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 emergency management funding programs have provided approximately $586 million for approximately 3,000 disaster preparedness and mitigation projects.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33690