Flood risk assessment, mitigation funds help B.C. communities

Press Release

May 16, 2019

VICTORIA – Twenty-two local and regional governments have been approved to receive their share of more than $3 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support flood risk assessment, mapping and mitigation planning.

Since the September 2017 Budget update, communities and governments throughout B.C. have received more than $20 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). The successful applicants for the latest round of funding hail from every corner of B.C.

“It’s critical that we invest now in preparedness and disaster mitigation,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.  “Funding these projects is another way that we’re building resiliency in our communities to improve public safety.”

Funding for the flood risk assessment, mapping and mitigation planning component of the CEPF was announced at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in September 2017. This funding is part of a $33.5-million plan designed to help communities prepare for, and respond to, disasters.

“Being prepared is about understanding hazards and finding ways to better protect the public,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “This funding will help local governments assess the risks that are unique to their communities and take steps to prevent and prepare for disasters before they happen.”

The CEPF is a suite of programs designed to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents. The Province provides the funding, which is administered by UBCM and divided into five streams:

• flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation planning
• emergency support services
• emergency operations centres and training
• structural flood mitigation
• evacuation routes

The next deadline to apply for this program is Oct. 25, 2019 (Structural Flood Mitigation Intake 2).

On May 10, 2019, the Province announced a new, sixth stream of CEPF funding for volunteer and composite fire departments. Proponents, including First Nations communities, local governments and society-run departments, are eligible for the $5 million to go towards equipment and training. This new funding brings the CEPF total to $38.5 million, with more than $15 million still to be distributed.

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Emergency Management BC
250 952-5062

BACKGROUNDER

Approved proposals for CEPF flood risk assessments, mapping and mitigation planning

Canal Flats – Kootenay River flood risk assessment and flood mapping
Total project value: $150,000

Cariboo Regional District – Screening level floodplain mapping, Thompson River watershed and floodplain prioritization within the Cariboo Regional District
Total project value: $150,000

Courtenay – Dike replacement and flood protection strategy, Phase 2
Total project value: $150,000

Greenwood – Flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation planning
Total project value: $150,000 ($149,668)

Keremeos – Similkameen River regional flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation plan
Total project value: $150,000 ($149,982)

Kitimat-Stikine Regional District – Skeena and Lower Kalum River channel management program, Phase 2
Total project value: $98,000

Midway – Flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation plan
Total project value: $150,000

Mission – Flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation plan
Total project value: $150,000

Nanaimo regional district – Jump Creek and South Fork dams inundation study
Total project value: $150,000

North Vancouver city – Lynn Creek flood risk assessment and reduction management plan
Total project value: $150,000

Okanagan-Similkameen regional district – Similkameen River regional flood risk assessment and flood mapping project
Total project value: $139,000 ($138,957)

Peachland – Flood risk assessment and mitigation plan for Okanagan lakeshore
Total project value: $145,000

Pemberton – Lillooet River floodplain flood mitigation planning
Total project value: $150,000

Penticton – Flood mitigation plan
Total project value: $59,000

Princeton – Similkameen River regional flood risk assessment, flood mapping and flood mitigation plan
Total project value: $150,000 ($149,940)

Squamish – Squamish River Dike, Judd Slough Dike seismic risk assessment and mitigation strategy
Total project value: $150,000

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District – Lillooet River floodplain flood mitigation planning
Total project value: $150,000

Thompson-Nicola Regional District – Screening level flood mapping in the Thompson River watershed
Total project value: $150,000

Tofino – Tsunami risk mitigation plan
Total project value: $150,000

Ucluelet – Flood mapping project
Total project value: $150,000

Vernon – Upper and lower BX Creek flood risk assessment, mapping and flood mitigation planning, Phase 1
Total project value: $150,000

Whistler – Fitzsimmons Creek flood mitigation
Total project value: $147,000 ($146,900)Contact:Media Relations
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Emergency Management BC
250 952-5062

ILR4