Province announces $39M for extreme weather projects, new flood strategy

B.C. unveiled its new flood strategy as well, which will “build flood preparedness” across the province.

The strategy will be used as a guide for flood preparedness and mitigation work until 2035.

“The climate crisis is here and we need communities to adapt and strengthen their defences against flooding and other extreme weather events,” said Bowinn Ma, B.C. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“We are working with local governments and First Nations to reduce disaster risk and better prepare people and communities for the impacts of climate change.”

The province has promised $39 million, which will fund more than 50 local disaster-risk reduction and climate-adaptation projects.

According to the ministry, the new flood strategy and local projects will work towards a more collaborative approach where municipalities, Indigenous groups and the province can work together to address recovery and prevention efforts.

“After decades of piecemeal approaches to flood management, we have worked with communities to develop B.C.’s first integrated vision for provincial flood preparedness so we can keep people safe,” said Nathan Cullen, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“The new B.C. Flood Strategy will guide our continued work with First Nations, local government agencies, the agricultural sector, industry and conservation organizations, as we take actions to reduce flood risk.”