NANAIMO ­–­ New Democrat MLAs Doug Routley and Sheila Malcolmson say that the new funding will help Nanaimo prepare for extreme heat events and keep people safe during future emergencies.

“When extreme heat hits, our most at-risk community members feel it most,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo North-Cowichan. “By supporting Nanaimo’s work to improve heat preparedness, we are helping community members to stay safer during these events.”

Across B.C., 36 First Nations and local governments are receiving a share of almost $1.9 million in funding to help communities implement projects such as extreme heat risk mapping, risk assessments, extreme heat response plans, and climate adaptation planning.

Nanaimo will be receiving $30,000 in funding for extreme heat risk mapping.

“To keep vulnerable people protected from extreme heat and the impacts of climate change, we need to work together” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “$30,000 from our government is for Nanaimo City Council to provide this support.”

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is an important part of the Province’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, and complements the BC Heat Alert and Response System, launched earlier this year. The $189-million fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations, and local governments in responding to and preparing for natural disasters and climate change.

Since 2017, First Nations and local governments have received more than $50.8 million through the CEPF for more than 1,000 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies. 

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/27443