3.72°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

premier-david-eby-and-prime-minister-mark-carney-deliver-christmas-messages-focused-on-unity-and-compassion
CanadaDec 24, 2025

Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney deliver Christmas messages focused on unity and compassion

Premier David Eby and Prime Minister Mark Carney marked Christmas by offering holiday greetings to Canadians, reflecting on the economic pressures and uncertainties many families have faced over the past year while emphasizing the importance of solidarity and generosity. Both leaders highlighted the resilience shown by communities across the country during challenging times. In his recorded Christmas message, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the holiday season serves as a reminder of hope and renewal. He noted that light follows darkness and stressed that Canada is strongest when people look ou
canada-affirms-greenlands-sovereignty-amid-renewed-u-s-interest
CanadaDec 24, 2025

Canada affirms Greenland’s sovereignty amid renewed U.S. interest

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has reiterated support for Greenland’s sovereignty following renewed U.S. interest in the self-governing Danish territory. Anand spoke with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Tuesday, emphasizing “Canada’s support for the fundamental importance of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The discussion comes after U.S. President Donald Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, with Landry stating the role aims to explore “making Greenland a part of the U.S.” Anand is sched
federal-government-pauses-planned-ban-on-single-use-plastic-exports
CanadaDec 24, 2025

Federal government pauses planned ban on single-use plastic exports

The federal government is suspending plans to ban the export of single-use plastics, citing economic pressures linked to tariffs and supply chain disruptions. Officials say these challenges are creating significant strain on the domestic economy. On Saturday, the government opened a 70-day public consultation on the decision through the Canada Gazette, inviting feedback from industry stakeholders and Canadians. According to the notice, the expected environmental gains from restricting plastic exports are not considered proportional to the potential economic impact. The plastics industry genera
western-and-northern-canada-faces-frigid-temperatures-and-snow-ahead-of-christmas
CanadaDec 24, 2025

Western and Northern Canada faces frigid temperatures and snow ahead of Christmas

Much of Western and Northern Canada is bracing for a bitterly cold and snowy Christmas, with Environment Canada issuing a mix of snow advisories and extreme cold warnings across several provinces and territories. Central Alberta is expected to see between 10 and 20 centimetres of snow by Christmas morning, prompting warnings for hazardous travel conditions on highways and local roads. Environment Canada is advising drivers to plan ahead and adjust travel plans where necessary as snowfall continues through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Cold warnings are also in effect across parts of Alberta
WorldDec 24, 2025

Small jet crash near Ankara kills eight, including Libya’s military chief

Eight people were killed after a small jet crashed near Turkey’s capital late Tuesday, including Libya’s Chief of the General Staff, Mohammed al-Haddad, Turkish authorities confirmed. The aircraft went down roughly 30 minutes after takeoff following a reported technical failure. Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the Falcon 50 jet disappeared from radar after issuing an emergency landing signal. Wreckage was later found in the Haymana district, south of Ankara, after overnight search and rescue operations by Turkish emergency crews. Those killed in the crash included General a

Related News