CRESTON – New Democrat MLAs Brittny Anderson and Katrine Conroy say people in Creston and Warfield will be better protected during flooding and extreme weather emergencies, thanks to provincial climate adaptation funding for local projects.

“It’s crucial that plans for flooding preparedness and mitigation meet the unique needs of each community,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Nelson-Creston. “By emphasizing solutions that work with the environment, such as rain gardens and green infrastructure, Creston will be able to manage stormwater more efficiently while also benefitting our local ecosystems.”

In the Kootenays, the following projects are receiving funding:

• Town of Creston – Stormwater Management Master Plan, $150,000
• Village of Warfield – Trail Creek Floodplain Mapping, $150,000

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.

“Floodplain mapping will provide the community of Warfield with accurate information to help people stay safe now, and make decisions with future risks in mind,” said Katrine Conroy, MLA for Kootenay West. “Our government is committed to working with communities to prepare for and reduce the impacts of climate change for people.”

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: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMCR0017-000401