BC NDP MLA Stephanie Higginson says Qualicum Beach will be better prepared for disasters thanks to climate resiliency projects
QUALICUM BEACH – BC NDP MLA Stephanie Higginson says new provincial funding for a local project means Qualicum Beach will be better able to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.
“Our community needs to have infrastructure ready to withstand the impacts of climate related incidents,” said Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith–Oceanside. “This work along the Little Qualicum River will help protect the community’s water supply and support the families and businesses that rely on it every day.”
The Town of Qualicum Beach is receiving $843,697.73 through DRIF for Phase Two of the Little Qualicum River Riverbank Erosion Protection project.
This project strengthens about 120 metres of the Little Qualicum River shoreline to help protect the community’s water wellfield which will include new rock structures and native plant restoration.
Across B.C., 10 communities are receiving approximately $18 million for 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 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 emergency management funding programs have provided approximately $586 million for approximately 3,000 disaster preparedness and mitigation projects.