The District of Central Saanich is receiving $270,000 from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaption program to help reduce risks from future disasters related to natural hazards and climate change. This project will better equip the community to plan for and respond to climate-related emergencies like floods and extreme weather.
“The climate crisis will continue to increase the risk of natural disasters like the Atmospheric River, Heat Dome of 2021, and Heat waves in 2022.” said Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor. “Working towards climate resiliency now will help prepare and keep the community safe in the future.”
The scope of the project will include:risk mapping, risk assessments and planning, such as the development of a hazard map;
- land-use planning, such as amendments to relevant plans, bylaws or policies;
- purchasing equipment, such as monitoring equipment;
- delivering community education; and
- small-scale structural projects.
The Tsartlip and Tsawout First Nations are working on projects with similar scope, which will be included in the project's consultation process, by sharing data and traditional knowledge.
Central Saanich was one of several communities to receive provincial funding through the CEPF administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) to support communities to better prepare for, mitigate and respond to climate-related emergencies, such as floods and extreme temperatures.