British Columbia boosts climate emergency preparedness fund

In November 2021, torrential rains caused flooding, evacuations, road closures and landslides in various parts of British Columbia in a few days.

British Columbia is improving its Community Emergency Preparedness Fund that helps municipalities and First Nations prepare for future disasters related to climate change.

The province is committing an additional $180 million to this fund, bringing its contribution to $369 million since its inception in 2017.

According to the province, the fund has helped fund projects like the new Coldwater River dyke in Merritt, misting stations in Victoria, and planning for a tsunami evacuation structure in Tofino.

The government is also launching a new website, ClimateReadyBC, which brings together tools and resources to help communities better prepare for disasters.

By visiting the site, the public can learn about various natural disasters, such as floods, forest fires, tsunamis or earthquakes, among others.

Previously, this information was spread across various government sites.

British Columbia has seen more than its share of weather disasters, it so there is an urgent need to be ready and equipped to minimize damage and recover quickly when the worst happens, says Premier David Eby.

Thanks to ClimateReadyBC and an investment […] we are increasing the tools and resources communities need to prepare for climate-related emergencies, added Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Preparedness Bowinn Ma.

According to David Eby, the investment comes from the provincial budget surplus for the fiscal year 2022/2023.