B.C. lays out $2.1 billion in spending to recover from floods and fires
Global News
From this new funding, $1.5 billion over the next three years will be targeted to response and recovery efforts.
The B.C. government has committed more than $2.1 billion for recovery from last year’s catastrophic natural disasters, and to better protect communities against future climate disasters.
Of the new funds, outlined in the 2022 budget tabled Tuesday, $1.5 billion will go toward response and recovery efforts over the next three years.
That $1.1 billion in contingencies over three years to support people, businesses and communities that have been hard-hit with costs from recent disasters, including wildfire and floods.
“We’ve all seen the impact that climate change is having on people’s lives and in our communities,” said B.C. Finance Minister Selina Robinson in a Thursday press conference.
“That’s why while we continue the fight against climate change, we’re also investing to strengthen our defences so we can protect people, communities, and businesses from future climate-related disasters.”
After criticism in November over a lack of staffing, the province is expanding the River Forecast Centre and floodplain mapping program.
The budget also includes a one-time increase for costs under the Emergency Program Act, to $436 million from $36 million, to support flood recovery.
The province has funded a year-round wildfire service as well, allowing public safety professionals to complete more fire mitigation work before and after the summer months, and provide support to communities through FireSmart initiatives.