Cowichan Tribes will receive $750,000 from the province for erosion-protection projects in the Cowichan River.
The money is part of more than $12 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding earmarked to support structural flood mitigation projects in 18 communities in B.C. through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
The intent is to support eligible applicants to prevent, eliminate or reduce hazards through structural flood-mitigation projects.
The province is also giving $750,000 from the CEPF, a suite of programs designed to enhance the resiliency of local governments, First Nations’ communities and their residents, towards the construction of a new flood gate in a flood-prone area along Canada Avenue in Duncan.
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“In order to reduce the risk to British Columbians from hazards like flooding, we’re investing in mitigation projects,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“We know that to improve public safety and create resilience among people and families, it’s critical to plan ahead with the aim of preventing disasters where possible and lessening the impact they have on our communities.”
Relentless rain along B.C.’s south coast closed roads, swelled rivers, including Cowichan River, and prompted a state of local emergency in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island at the end of January.
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The widespread flooding forced more than two dozen Valley residents to evacuate their homes as key transportation corridors were cut off by rising flood water.