COWICHAN VALLEY – New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says people in the Cowichan Valley will be better protected during flooding and extreme weather emergencies, thanks to provincial climate adaptation funding for local projects.

“In Cowichan, we know the impacts that natural disasters like flooding can have on our unique ecosystems,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “With this funding, our region will be better prepared to manage risks and control flooding when it can occur.”

In the Cowichan Valley, the following projects are receiving funding:

• Cowichan Tribes – 2023-24 Mobile flood-control equipment, $150,000
• Cowichan Valley Regional District – Cowichan risk-reduction policies and processes, $267,080
• Ladysmith – Holland Creek weirs decommissioning and repairs, $2.75 million

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