BC NDP MLAs Susie Chant and Bowinn Ma say the North Shore will be better equipped to defend against climate change

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NORTH SHORE – BC NDP MLAs Susie Chant and Bowinn MA say people in North Vancouver will be safer during emergencies, with provincial funding that will better equip local governments and First Nations to reduce the risk of disasters.

“Shoreline restoration at Whey-ah-Wichen is a huge step in protecting our community against the impacts of climate change,” says Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver – Seymour. “This $4.8 million investment will not only protect our natural shoreline, but will also enhance the resiliency of North Vancouver to rising sea levels and erosion, making sure our environment and infrastructure remain intact for future generations.”

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.

“Climate change is no longer a future concern, it’s happening now and we’re seeing its impact all over British Columbia,” says Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver – Lonsdale, and Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Through disaster mitigation funding, our government is committed to helping communities become more resilient by empowering local governments to adapt to the changing climate and better protect themselves and their residents against future climate challenges.”

North Vancouver District is receiving 4.8 million dollars for Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park shoreline restoration.

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.