The RDEK is receiving just over $1.1 million from the province for climate adaptation and disaster risk resilience projects.
The funding will benefit regional partners that include ?akisqnuk First Nation, ?aq'am, Canal Flats, Cranbrook, Elkford, Invermere, Kimberley, Radium Hot Springs, Shuswap Band, Sparwood, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it.
The City of Fernie is also receiving a further $85,000 to conduct a community hazard risk analysis.
“Climate change is no longer a future concern, it’s happening now and we’re seeing its impact all over British Columbia,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Through disaster mitigation funding, our government is committed to helping communities become more resilient by empowering local governments to adapt to the changing climate and better protect themselves and their residents against future climate challenges.”
The funding is part of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), as a total of $56 million is being distributed to 65 communities for 78 projects.
It will help communities tackle current vulnerabilities, minimize the risk of future disasters and support communities to make informed decisions.
The Province has invested $369 million into the CEPF since it was established in 2017. Approximately $279 million has been provided to local governments and First Nations through the CEPF for approximately 2,100 projects. This includes approximately $176 million to support disaster-mitigation and climate-adaptation projects.
The CEPF supports local governments and First Nations to better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate in several categories.
In addition to disaster-risk reduction and climate adaptation, other categories include volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training; emergency operations centre equipment and training; public notification and evacuation-route planning; Indigenous cultural safety and cultural-humility training; and emergency support-services equipment and training.
The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) on behalf of the Province.
