The Duteau watershed, where weather stations are planned to be installed (photo courtesy of Tolko via the RDNO)

By Liam Verster

Emergency Preparedness Funds

Climate adaption projects in the North Okanagan, other area communities, receiving funding boost

Sep 19, 2024 | 6:00 AM

A handful of projects in the Okanagan are getting a boost through the B.C. Government’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

Through the fund’s Disaster Risk Reduction – Climate Adaptation stream, a total of $56-million will go to support 78 projects across B.C.that address vulnerabilities, minimize the risk of future disasters and support communities to make informed decisions.

“Climate change is no longer a future concern, it’s happening now and we’re seeing its impact all over British Columbia,” Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, stated in a provincial release.

“Through disaster mitigation funding, our government is committed to helping communities become more resilient by empowering local governments to adapt to the changing climate and better protect themselves and their residents against future climate challenges.”

Of that funding, $68,638 will go to the Regional District of North Okanagan to be used for establishing weather stations to monitor drought conditions and wildfire hazards.

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Another $1.9-million will go to the Village of Lumby to be used for two projects: improvements to the Shuswap Avenue Bridge, and bank protection at Bessette Creek.

“Lumby’s location at the confluence of three creeks has unfortunately made it vulnerable to severe flooding for decades,” Roger Huston, Lumby’;s Director of Public Works and Engineering, said in the statement.

“This funding provides a crucial opportunity for us to implement essential projects identified through comprehensive floodplain mapping and flood mitigation planning, such as one kilometre of flood protection for high-risk areas, safeguarding our community and ensuring the long-term resilience of our homes and businesses.”

Other are municipalities receiving funding through the program include:

• Lake Country: $4.5-million for an intake tower replacement at Beaver Lake
• Salmon Arm: $150,000 for a climate hazard risk vulnerability assessment and resilience plan
• West Kelowna: $150,000 for post-wildfire drainage design for flood mitigation around McDougall Creek
• Peachland: $150,000 for Peachland Lake Dam and Glen Lake Dam analysis
• Penticton: $172,785 for public cooling infrastructure and for Downtown Penticton drinking/cooling station
• Golden: $21,500 for community misting and water bottle refill stations