CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT ­–­ New Democrat MLAs Grace Lore and Lana Popham say that the new funding will help the Capital Regional District prepare for extreme heat events and keep people safe during future emergencies.

“The threats of climate change are real and need to be met with action at all levels,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “By addressing extreme heat preparedness locally, the Capital Regional District is continuing to show leadership when it comes to climate.”

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.

The Capital Regional District will be receiving $150,000 in funding for extreme heat vulnerability mapping in Langford, Saanich, Sidney, and Victoria.

“We know the impacts of climate change are being felt in communities throughout British Columbia” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “This funding will ensure the Capital Regional District can prepare for extreme weather to keep people safe.”

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