BC NDP MLAs Susie Chant and Bowinn Ma say the North Shore will be better prepared for disasters thanks to climate resiliency project
NORTH VANCOUVER – BC NDP MLAs Susie Chant and Bowinn Ma says new provincial funding for a local project means the North Shore will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.
“I regularly hear from community members who want to know more about how prepared the North Shore is for a disaster, because the more prepared we are, the faster we can act during crises – saving lives and preserving our communities,” says Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver – Lonsdale. “I’m incredibly grateful for the work our three North Shore municipalities do on this front with the support of our government.”
The North Shore is receiving funding for the following project:
District of North Vancouver: Disaster risk reduction action plan for the North Shore – Regional partners: City of North Vancouver, District of West Vancouver
- This project is a collaboration between the three North Shore municipalities the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Squamish Nation and critical infrastructure partners. The action plan will reduce risk and empower residents, organizations and communities to share the responsibility to reduce disaster risk and adapt to climate change.
- Amount: $997,000
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.
“Emergency management planning is a critical aspect of keeping our community safe,” says Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver – Seymour. “Funding like this makes sure that the North Shore is resilient and as prepared as possible during potential natural disasters.”
The new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program provides support to First Nations and local governments for projects that will enhance their ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.
Since 2017, provincial funding programs have provided more than $540 million for about 2,660 disaster preparedness and mitigation projects.