More than $4 million rewarded to City to reduce flood risks

The City of Fort St. John has received $4.2 million to reduce flood risks from various hazards in a changing climate.

These funds from the Provincial Government's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which are being administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, will allow the North Peace to better prepare for disasters as well.

The Province is providing more than $40 million for 61 projects according to a media release, to help protect communities and people around British Columbia from the growing threat of natural and climate related emergencies.

“This funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is helping Fort St. John take critical steps to reduce flood risk and protect our community. Upgrades to the Bouffioux Coulee berm, a new sewer outfall pipeline and River Drive embankment improvements will reduce flood risks, safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen our readiness for extreme-weather events,” said Jim Lequiere, Acting Mayor for Fort St. John.

The City has announced plans to use the funds to assist with the Bouffioux Coulee watershed flood risk reduction report and design, rainfall distribution analysis and bylaw amendment for better stormwater planning, and the Bouffioux Coulee outfall pipeline protection for local and neighbouring communities.

Local governments and First Nations are receiving support from the Province for various projects that address climate driven and natural hazards including floods, droughts, heatwaves, earthquakes, and landslides.

“The frequency of climate-caused events is increasing, and managing and reducing these risks is essential,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “By supporting communities on these projects, we are helping to better protect these communities and the people who call them home. Our new DRIF program provides reliable, long-term funding so communities can better plan for and address their most pressing disaster-mitigation needs.”

Around $21 million is being distributed through the new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program to support these efforts, as well as nearly $20 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) according to the release.

“Local governments are on the front lines of responding to climate-related emergencies and the need for proactive, community-driven solutions has never been greater,” said Trish Mandewo, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities. “UBCM is proud to partner with the Province in delivering CEPF funding, which equips communities across B.C. with the tools and resources they need to adapt to a changing climate and reduce disaster risks before they happen.”