NDP MLAs say people in Cowichan Valley will benefit from funds to reduce the risks of disaster related to climate change 

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COWICHAN VALLEY – New Democrat MLAs John Horgan and Doug Routley say that people in the Cowichan Valley will benefit from provincial funding to help reduce risks from future disaster related natural hazards and climate change.

“Building up resilient infrastructure in our communities now will serve us well for years to come,” said John Horgan, MLA for Langford-Juan de Fuca. “Whether it’s withstanding climate-related events just day to day wear, strong infrastructure keeps our community strong.”

Projects being funded in the region are listed below:

  • Malahat First Nation – $110,904.80 for sea level rise and flood inundation assessment and adaptation plans
  • North Cowichan – $177,700 for climate change vulnerability and risk assessment for climate change adaptation planning

“When disasters hit, we need to be prepared to weather them,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “By working towards resiliency in our communities now, we will be able to better respond and keep people safe in times of need.”

A total of $23.9 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will support communities to better prepare for, mitigate and respond to climate-related emergencies such floods and extreme temperatures.

The Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream under the CEPF supports the Province’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy. The CEPF is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and funds projects that strengthen the resilience of First Nations and local governments in responding to and preparing for natural disasters and climate change.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28187