The Kootenays will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters with $1,143,920 in provincial support for project in Castlegar, Kaslo, Salmo and the Kootenay-Boundary.
BC NDP MLAs Steve Morissette and Brittny Anderson have welcomed today’s announcement.
“It’s so important to have accurate information when disaster planning,” says Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee.
“This funding will help communities in the Kootenays identify and manage risks to keep people safe.”
Projects to receive funding include:
- City of Castlegar: Floodplain mapping and climate change hazard risk assessment.This project will provide a better understanding of areas within the city that are at a higher risk of flooding. This will allow the city to co-ordinate and communicate with residents in times of higher flood risk. Amount: $399,920
- Regional District of Central Kootenay: Updated floodplain bylaws and associated mapping – Regional partner: Village of Salmo.This project will improve resilience by providing updated and detailed floodplain and hazard mapping and bylaws related to land adjacent to flood-prone and steep creek areas. Amount: $194,000
- Regional District of Kootenay Boundary: Floodplain and alluvial fan mapping, Electoral Areas D and E.This region experiences regular and destructive flooding. The two electoral areas were identified in previous risk assessments as requiring updated flood mapping that incorporates climate change forecasting. Amount: $400,000
- Village of Kaslo: Enhancing Kaslo’s resilience to flooding and geohazards.A two-part project that helps ensure a sustainable future for Kaslo’s drinking water sources, and planning for flood and erosion mitigation on the Kaslo River by identifying hazards and mitigating the effects of extreme weather events. Amount: $150,000
“It is crucial for local governments to be prepared when disaster strikes,” says Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central.
“This investment into Kaslo’s flooding and geohazard resilience will help the village prepare and help ensure safety for the community.”
Across B.C., 46 communities are receiving approximately $41 million for 61 projects. The projects will help reduce the impact of future climate disasters by addressing current vulnerabilities and by supporting informed planning and decision making.
“The frequency of climate-caused events is increasing, and managing and reducing these risks is essential,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“By supporting communities on these projects, we are helping to better protect these communities and the people who call them home. Our new DRIF program provides reliable, long-term funding so communities can better plan for and address their most pressing disaster-mitigation needs.”
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