BC NDP MLAs Steve Morissette and Brittny Anderson say the Kootenays will be better prepared for disasters thanks to climate resiliency projects

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CASTLEGAR– BC NDP MLAs Steve Morissette and Brittny Anderson say new provincial funding for local projects means the Kootenays will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.

“It’s so important to have accurate information when disaster planning,” says Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “This funding will help communities in the Kootenays identify and manage risks to keep people safe.”

Multiple projects in the Kootenays are receiving funding:

  • City of Castlegar: Floodplain mapping and climate change hazard risk assessment. This project will provide a better understanding of areas within the city that are at a higher risk of flooding. This will allow the city to co-ordinate and communicate with residents in times of higher flood risk. Amount: $399,920
  • Regional District of Central Kootenay: Updated floodplain bylaws and associated mapping – Regional partner: Village of Salmo. This project will improve resilience by providing updated and detailed floodplain and hazard mapping and bylaws related to land adjacent to flood-prone and steep creek areas. Amount: $194,000
  • Regional District of Kootenay Boundary: Floodplain and alluvial fan mapping, Electoral Areas D and E. This region experiences regular and destructive flooding. The two electoral areas were identified in previous risk assessments as requiring updated flood mapping that incorporates climate change forecasting. Amount: $400,000
  • Village of Kaslo: Enhancing Kaslo’s resilience to flooding and geohazards. A two-part project that helps ensure a sustainable future for Kaslo’s drinking water sources, and planning for flood and erosion mitigation on the Kaslo River by identifying hazards and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. Amount: $150,000

“It is crucial for local governments to be prepared when disaster strikes,” says Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This investment into Kaslo’s flooding and geohazard resilience will help the village prepare and help ensure safety for the community.”

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.