qathet Regional District (qRD) is one of 38 communities in the province awarded funding for flood planning.
The $77-million Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), administered through the Union of BC Municipalities, is a suite of programs designed to enhance the resiliency of First Nations communities, local governments and residents, according to an August 20 media release from Emergency Management BC and BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
qRD is receiving $130,350 for its qathet Regional Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy.
“This program is vital in helping communities prepare for local emergencies, such as floods and wildfires,” stated Mike Farnworth, minister of public safety. “These funds have supported emergency operations centres, emergency support services, mitigation projects, response training and cultural humility training so that First Nations and local governments can better get ahead of what might come.”
According to the release, since 2017, 961 projects in communities throughout BC have been approved for funding.
“We’ve been working hard to help communities prepare for emergencies, and this program is a great way to support local emergency preparation priorities,” stated Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for emergency preparedness. “This is about continuing to collaborate with First Nations and local governments on emergency management and get to the root of what is needed to manage risks.”
