Victoria and Sidney have each received provincial funding for local projects to bolster their ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters.
The two communities are among 46 across B.C. sharing over $40 million in provincial funding for 61 projects, according to a B.C. government news release.
"The frequency of climate-caused events is increasing, and managing and reducing these risks is essential," said Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness.
Victoria is receiving $713,510 for improvements to Centennial Square to prepare for cases of extreme heat and rain. In a press release, Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake, said the project will help the city serve people in an emergency from a central location.
The upgrades include a waterpark feature designed to provide a cooling effect, a raised performance stage, and improved stormwater management.
It will also include a new greenspace area in front of the McPherson Playhouse with new trees and added greenery, striving to make the square more climate-resilient, mitigate urban heat island effects and better manage stormwater runoff.
The square is considered to be Victoria’s main civic, ceremonial and recreational plaza that serves as a venue for different events and large public gatherings, according to a report from the City of Victoria.
The Town of Sidney is receiving $176,000 for a disaster-safe water supply project aimed at helping the community access alternate sources of potable water in the event that its primary infrastructure is damaged during an earthquake or is unable to deliver expected volumes.
The new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program boosts First Nations and local government projects that enhance their ability to withstand and adapt to natural hazards and climate-caused disasters. Approximately $21 million for the 61 projects will come from the DRIF program, in addition to nearly $20 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
For every dollar spent on measures to prepare for climate impacts, between $2 to $10 is saved in the future, according to the Government of B.C.
In terms of context, the government gives some statistics on its website of environmental data, including citing historical data from 1900 to 2013, which indicates that the average annual temperature has risen by 1.4 °C, and winter night temperatures increased by an average of 3.1 °C.
Expressions of interest from First Nations and local governments for the next round of the DRIF program are being accepted until June 27, 2025.
