LADYSMITH – BC NDP MLAs Sheila Malcolmson, Debra Toporowski, Stephanie Higginson, and George Anderson say new provincial funding for local projects means Nanaimo, Ladysmith, and the Cowichan Valley will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.

“As a coastal city, it is so important for Nanaimo to be prepared to face the threat of rising sea levels,” says Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo – Gabriola Island. “This funding will help the city plan ahead, and set-up our community to adapt with climate change.”

The following projects are being funded:

• City of Nanaimo: Sea-level rise management plan
  • This project helps the city plan for and manage potential sea-level rise before severe impacts occur, and ensure new infrastructure is designed and located to be resilient to sea-level rise and coastal flooding impacts.
  • Amount: $400,000
• Cowichan Valley Regional District: Tsunami modelling and mapping – Regional partners: Municipality of North Cowichan, Town of Ladysmith
  • Resiliency will be increased by improving the understanding of disaster risk from tsunami caused by earthquake and underwater landslide/sand slide.
  • Amount: $400,000

“We want people in the Cowichan Valley to know their communities are ready in case of emergency,” says Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “Our government supports local partners doing this crucial work for emergency preparedness.”

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.

“Mapping potential tsunamis prepares us for the threat of natural disaster,” says Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith – Oceanside. “Investing in Ladysmith’s emergency management plan is so critical to the safety of the community, and I’m glad to see the CVRD getting this funding.”

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.

“As a life long resident of Nanaimo, I understand the potential climate threats of living along a coast,” says George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo – Lantzville. “Funding like this gives me peace of mind knowing that our cities are planning ahead, and that our government can help that process.”

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