According to North Island MLA Michele Babchuk, people across the region will be safer during emergencies due to provincial funding going to local governments and First Nations for equipment to reduce the risk of natural disasters.
"With over $1 million of funding for multiple projects across the North Island, including disaster awareness education and firefighting tanks on Cortes Island, we're equipping our communities with tools and knowledge they need to face the realities of climate change," says Babchuk. "This investment ensures we're building local capacity and resilience at every level."
Alert Bay and the We Wai Kai Nation are two of 65 communities receiving a share of $56 million spread across 78 projects from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund through the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation Stream.
Alert Bay will get $89,002 for the Cormorant Island disaster risk reduction study. The We Wai Kai Nation receives $150,000 for its sea level rise, coastal erosion, and groundwater management on Quadra Island.
The Strathcona Regional District, with regional partners: Campbell River, Gold River, Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’/ Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations, Tahsis, Xwemalhkwu (Homalco), will get funding for several projects including, administration and wages to assist the Homalco Willow Creek Restoration consultant, Walters Island breakwater condition assessment and aerial imaging, a community disaster awareness education assistant, Cortes Island firefighting tanks public education art, and the Cortes Island School wetland restoration project.
Since its establishment in 2017, the province has invested $369 million in the CEPF. 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.
