4.96°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

CanadaDec 01, 2025

Algoma Steel announces 1,000 layoffs as U.S. tariffs force early transition to new production model

Algoma Steel says it will lay off roughly 1,000 employees as the company accelerates a major shift in its operations to respond to steep U.S. trade tariffs. The Sault Ste. Marie–based producer confirmed the notices were issued Monday, with the cuts taking effect in March. Company representatives say the 50 per cent tariff imposed by the United States last year sharply reduced access to its largest export market. With about 2,700 employees, Algoma has been among the Canadian steelmakers most affected by the ongoing trade dispute, which replaced a previously integrated North American steel sup
snow-and-freezing-rain-to-hit-central-interior-as-pacific-system-moves-in
BCDec 01, 2025

Snow and Freezing Rain to Hit Central Interior as Pacific System Moves In

Residents across British Columbia’s central Interior are being advised to prepare for challenging weather as a strong Pacific system collides with cold Arctic air over the region. Environment Canada has issued multiple alerts, warning of heavy snowfall, pockets of freezing rain, and hazardous travel conditions lasting into Monday evening. Snowfall of up to 15 centimetres is expected in areas surrounding Williams Lake, with advisories also covering stretches of Highway 97 between Clinton and 100 Mile House. Emergency officials are urging motorists to allow extra travel time and be ready for r
carney-to-adjust-federal-cabinet-after-guilbeault-steps-down-over-alberta-energy-deal
CanadaDec 01, 2025

Carney to adjust federal cabinet after Guilbeault steps down over Alberta energy deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing a limited cabinet shuffle on Monday, following the sudden resignation of Steven Guilbeault late last week. Guilbeault left his role as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and as the government’s Quebec Lieutenant, a decision that came only hours after Ottawa unveiled a new energy agreement with Alberta. In a letter made public Thursday, Guilbeault wrote that he respects the prime minister’s efforts to navigate what he described as a period of “profound disruption,” but said he could not support the memorandum of understanding with Alberta.
police-launch-homicide-investigation-after-late-night-shooting-in-surrey
CanadaDec 01, 2025

Police launch homicide investigation after late-night shooting in Surrey

A man has died after a late-night shooting in Surrey’s Guildford area, prompting homicide investigators to take over the case. Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit officers were called to the 10400 block of 152 Street shortly before midnight on Friday, where they found a man with critical gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has assumed conduct of the file, marking Surrey’s sixth homicide of 2025. IHIT says the investigation remains in its early stages, with officers working alongside the S
WorldDec 01, 2025

Police seek witnesses after four people killed at California child’s birthday party

Investigators in Stockton, California are appealing for information after a shooting at a child’s birthday celebration left four people dead and several others injured. Local police say the violence erupted Saturday evening inside a banquet hall where families had gathered for a two-year-old’s party. Authorities confirmed that three children – ages 8, 9 and 14 – were among those killed, along with a 21-year-old man. Eleven other people were treated for injuries. As of Sunday, police had not announced any arrests or identified a suspect. Residents told The Associated Press that the cele

Related News