14.56°C Vancouver

Feb 21, 2023 9:02 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. adds $180 million to help communities prepare for natural disasters

Share On

Local governments and First Nations in British Columbia are getting more support to prepare for the risk of natural disasters related to climate change.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness says it will add $180 million to support projects that help communities

prepare for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

The ministry says the government's Community Emergency Preparedness Fund has previously supported projects that include a dike in Merritt, public cooling infrastructure in Victoria and tsunami evacuation planning in Tofino.

It says it will also now provide a one-stop online platform for communities and First Nations to review flood, wildfire, weather and other hazardous events data that had previously been spread over various government websites.

The program also includes supports for communities to prepare for the effects of extreme cold and heat.

The government says since 2017, local governments and First Nations have received funds for more than 1,300 projects to prepare for natural disasters and climate-related emergencies.

Latest news

b-c-premier-designate-lorne-doerkson-calls-for-immediate-halt-to-work-at-george-massey-tunnel-site
BCNov 12, 2026

B.C. Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson Calls for Immediate Halt to Work at George Massey Tunnel Site

British Columbia Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson is taking action on the proposed new George Massey Bridge, calling on the outgoing B.C. NDP government to immediately suspend all work at the tunnel site during the transition of power. Doerkson said only work that could support the construction of a new bridge should continue at the site. He said the move is aimed at preventing unnecessary taxpayer spending, as the incoming government plans to review the possibility of replacing the existing George Massey Tunnel with a bridge. The B.C. Conservatives, who are set to take office on November 20,
woman-arrested-after-stabbing-leaves-man-seriously-injured-in-delta
BCNov 12, 2026

Woman Arrested After Stabbing Leaves Man Seriously Injured in Delta

A man has been seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Delta, and a woman has been taken into custody in connection with the case. According to the Delta Police Department, officers received a report of a stabbing in the 19900-block of 80 Avenue in North Delta at around 6 p.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man suffering from serious injuries. He was conscious and breathing at the time. Paramedics rushed the victim to hospital in life-threatening condition. Following surgery, his condition has since improved. Police quickly responded to the incident and arreste
BCNov 12, 2026

B.C. Home Sales Drop 11% in October as Average Prices Decline

Home sales in British Columbia fell by more than 10 per cent in October, according to the latest figures released by the B.C. Real Estate Association (BCREA) on Thursday. A total of 5,670 homes were sold across the province last month, marking an 11 per cent decline compared with the same month last year. The report also showed that the average home sale price dropped by 2.8 per cent to approximately $950,000, down from $977,000 a year earlier. BCREA Chief Economist Brendon Ogmundson said the housing market continues to face several challenges, although sales remain steady in more affordable c
BCNov 12, 2026

BC’s Pemberton Village Under Shelter-in-Place Order Amid Heavy Rain and Flooding

Heavy rainfall and flooding in Pemberton, B.C., have prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents amid concerns that several major roads could become impassable. Residents have been advised to avoid non-essential travel and stay away from flooded roads. The entire village has also been placed under an evacuation alert. According to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, several roads in the Pemberton Valley are currently impassable, including Pemberton Meadows Road and sections of Highway 99. Evacuation orders have also been issued for properties along Airport Road in
BCNov 12, 2026

87-Year-Old Woman Seriously Injured in Vancouver Hit-and-Run

An 87-year-old woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident in Vancouver on Wednesday morning. According to police, the woman was crossing the road at a marked crosswalk near Dunbar Street and West 41st Avenue at around 7:35 a.m. when she was struck by a vehicle. Investigators believe a white sedan making a left turn hit the woman. Instead of stopping and providing assistance, the driver fled the scene. Police said the woman remains in hospital receiving treatment. Two people were reportedly inside the white sedan. The incident comes just days after another elderly woman, aged 78, was

Related News