BC NDP MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say local communities will be better equipped to defend against climate change

HARRISON HOT SPRINGS – BC NDP MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say people in Harrison Hot Springs, Chilliwack, and local First Nations will be safer during emergencies, with provincial funding that will better equip local governments and First Nations to reduce the risk of disasters.

“As climate change increases risks for our communities, we have continued to increase support to help make sure people are protected and prepared for events like floods, landslides, and evacuations,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “Five million for Harrison Lake flood prevention and dike repairs is great news for a community that has been so resilient over the years.”

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.

“We can never be too prepared, especially in rural and Indigenous communities, who may not have as quick of access to emergency services,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “From heat mapping at Seabird Island Band to pump station upgrades here in Chilliwack, all of these projects make a difference.”

The following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding from the Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream:

  • Harrison Hot Springs – C3: Harrison Lake waterfront flood protection dike upgrade
    • Amount: $5 million
  • Chilliwack – C1: Creek drainage pump station upgrade preliminary design
    • Amount: $150,000
  • Seabird Island Band – C1: Community adaptive heat mapping: enhancing climate resiliency
    • Amount: $150,000
  • Sema:th First Nation (Sumas) – C1: Sema:th Lake flood risk assessment
    • Amount: $149,897

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.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/31741