B.C. unveils new $1,300 monthly housing support for victims of summer wildfires

The B.C. government says it is teaming up with the Canadian Red Cross to provide housing help to those who were affected by wildfires this year.

A Sunday news release from the public safety ministry said the province will provide eligible households $1,300 per month starting in December while they move to long-term housing.

It says the financial help will meet temporary housing needs of eligible households that have been receiving short-term accommodation support since July.

5:34 B.C. appointing recovery liaisons to help Lytton rebuild

The release says the Canadian Red Cross is also helping with housing repair, reconstruction and cleanup of properties.

The province’s 2021 wildfire season saw the destruction of the village of Lytton and homes levelled in several other Interior regions, but the BC Wildfire Service says it was not the worst season on record.

A 2021 wildfire summary says about $565 million was spent in the “tremendously challenging” period between April 1 and Sept. 30, when 1,610 wildfires charred 8,682 square kilometres, mainly in southern and southeastern B.C.