NEW WESTMINSTER – New Democrat MLA Jennifer Whiteside says people in New Westminster will be better protected during flooding and extreme weather emergencies, thanks to provincial climate adaptation funding for a local project.

“As we witness the increasingly severe impacts of climate change, initiatives like New Westminster’s Urban Biodiversity Enhancement project playa crucial role in protecting our community,” says Jennifer Whiteside, MLA for New Westminster. “By strategically planting trees to provide canopy cover and mitigate heat, we are building resilience and fostering a healthier, more sustainable future for everyone in New Westminster.”

The City of New Westminster is receiving $1 million for Phase 2 of its Urban Biodiversity Enhancement Initiative which will install an additional 532 trees in city streets.

Across B.C. more than 50 local governments and First Nations are receiving a share of $39 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). Projects include small-scale structural flood projects and improvements to local flood-mitigation strategies, including more accurate flood mapping.

While taking immediate steps to support communities and to keep people safe, the New Democrat government is also launching a new comprehensive B.C. Flood Strategy that will guide flood preparedness and mitigation work by all orders of government from now to 2035. The strategy will support communities to better prepare for flood impacts and strengthen their ability to respond to flood crises.

For more information: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30523