Families in Prince George will now have access to a new child care centre with 73 licensed spaces.

“I’m so proud of this partnership. This new child care centre will give Prince George families greater access to high-quality, inclusive, culturally rooted care where children can learn, grow, and thrive by staying connected to their language, traditions and heritage,” said Rohini Arora, parliamentary secretary for child care. “It will be a welcoming space for families, Elders and educators to come together, strengthen community ties and support a strong future for the children of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation and the community as a whole.”

The Province partnered with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation to create new child care spaces through an investment of more than $6.1 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This new child care centre includes 24 spaces for infant-toddlers and 49 spaces for children 30 months to school age.

“We are truly blessed to be opening a daycare that lifts our name up, on our traditional territory at the entrance to the park that carries our history, culture and ancestors,” said Chief Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. “Thank you to the Province for recognizing the need in our community for a daycare that supports families who work shift work. It is through strong partnerships and friendships like this that we are able to officially open the Lheidli Littles’ Lodge.”

The new child care centre will follow the Lheidli T’enneh calendar and focus on language and culture. Children will learn through activities such as storytelling, songs and dance, blessings and prayers, Elder involvement and land-based learning.

“Our vision is to build a thriving, connected community where children walk proudly in their identities, grounded in love and rooted in the teachings of the land,” said Tandi Purych, general manager, Lheidli Littles’ Lodge. “We are not just providing care – we are offering a foundation, a beginning, a lodge of belonging. It is more than a daycare – it is a place of renewal, learning and cultural connection.”

Since 2018, ChildCareBC’s space-creation programs have helped fund more than 40,900 new licensed child care spaces in B.C. and 24,900 of those are now open. Funding the creation of new child care spaces is part of the Province’s ChildCareBC plan to build access to affordable, quality, inclusive child care as a core service families can rely on. Under the ChildCareBC plan, the Province is also partnering with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples to build culturally relevant child care that meets their unique needs.

People in northern B.C. will have more reliable access to healthy food, thanks to an investment from the Province.

This support for local projects will address unique food-access challenges in rural, remote and First Nations communities. It will also increase the capacity of food-access organizations to meet increased demand for their services due to global inflation. It is made possible by a $2-million investment administered by Food Banks BC (FBBC) and the Public Health Association of BC (PHABC).

“In many northern rural and remote communities, getting affordable fresh food can be challenging,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Working together with our partners, we are helping local groups meet the increasing demand for nutritious food.”

This funding, part of $5 million announced in 2023, is distributed through two streams to support better food access in northern B.C. The Large Scale Innovations for Food System Transformation Pilot stream provides approximately $1.7 million for five partnerships to develop advanced models for food security. The Ideas Lab for Food Systems Transformation stream provides $300,000 across 13 projects, aiming to improve regional food security.

“This investment underscores the power of collaboration to advance our key project priorities: strengthening food systems, empowering communities and creating lasting change,” said Dan Huang-Taylor, executive director, Food Banks BC. “As demand for food banks reaches unprecedented levels, we are proud to partner with the B.C. government and the Public Health Association of BC to expand access to local, healthy and culturally appropriate food for northern B.C. communities.”

These projects are creating partnerships of non-profits, businesses, governments and other partners to work together and expand food access. Projects include:

• using existing transportation networks to improve food delivery;
• building the first school farm in northern B.C., which will provide fresh fruits and vegetables for school meals;
• constructing greenhouses in school communities; and
• partnering with Indigenous groups to support sustainable and culturally relevant food infrastructure.

“Community partners have worked to build local solutions that strengthen regional food security and support dignified food access,” said Shannon Turner, executive director, PHABC. “This funding supports communities to make vital changes to food systems. Through this project, legacies of co-operation and effective policy are addressing food insecurity with new skills and models designed to reduce hunger and grow local capacity to address inequities and feed those in need.”

Funding also supported new research to understand the unique barriers and opportunities to improve food access throughout B.C., informed by the experiences of local organizations and people experiencing food insecurity.

This investment is part of the historic $200 million in funding announced in March 2023 to strengthen the food supply chain throughout B.C., increase the availability of fresh food, encourage more food production in remote areas, strengthen food infrastructure and create more regional community food hubs.

Quotes:

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food –

“One of the best ways we can boost our province’s food security is by directly partnering with farming communities and organizations who are on the ground in remote areas. The projects funded by these investments will put more food in the cupboards of people in northern British Columbia and beyond, and they will pay off in our long-term goal of a sustainable, healthy food system, with a thriving agricultural sector grown by and for the people of the region.”

Dianne Villesèche, quality management system program manager, and Community Food Systems Innovation program manager, Ecotrust Canada –

“We’re deeply grateful for the Large Scale Innovation for Food Systems Transformation Pilot grant, a giant step forward for the Prince Rupert area. With this opportunity, we’re creating school-based infrastructure that connects students to land, food, and culture, while supporting a more resilient, connected and just food economy rooted in local knowledge and community priorities.”

Velma Sutherland, band administrator, Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell) First Nations –

“This facility is more than a place to cut and wrap meat — it’s a commitment to our sovereignty, resilience and cultural integrity. By investing in local food processing through the Large Scale Innovation for Food Systems Transformation Pilot program, we are strengthening our ability to provide affordable, high-quality food while creating jobs and training rooted in our Gitxsan values. This is a step toward revitalizing Gitxsan Food Ways — honouring the knowledge of our ancestors, respecting the animals that sustain us and building a stronger, self-reliant future for our people.”

Nicholas Fricke, operations manager, BC Bus North (operated by Pacific Western) –

“We are proud to be a partner with the Northern Food Distribution Network for northern B.C. Being able to have stable access to food is paramount for all. If we can assist with helping those in need gain access to food, especially fresh produce, that is such an amazing thing to be a part of.”

Seniors in Prince George will soon have access to more long-term care as construction starts on a new long-term care village.

“Northern B.C.’s growing senior population highlights the need for modern, expanded long-term care options,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “This new care village is a vital investment that will provide seniors with the comfort, respect and quality care they deserve, while strengthening our health system and creating good local jobs.”

Once built, the new home will provide 200 new beds for seniors, with an eight-bed geriatric psychiatry unit. A new 30-person adult day program will include services that support seniors’ living in the community by providing social interaction, activities and a sense of community, reducing loneliness and isolation. Also, 37 affordable licensed community child care spaces will create intergenerational connections in the home, with spaces prioritized for staff.

The new non-profit long-term care home is modelled after Canada’s first public long-term care village based on the concepts of a dementia village that opened in July 2024 in Comox on Vancouver Island. The design features of the long-term care village foster a strong sense of belonging, purpose and community for residents. The Prince George village is set to open in early 2028 at 6500 Southridge Ave.

“Growing older should always come with the assurance of being cared for in a familiar place, surrounded by community and compassion,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This new long-term care village is a transformative addition to Prince George where residents will benefit from the expert, person-centered care and support they need to live with dignity as they age.”

The village will include 16 close-knit “households,” each home to 12 residents. Every household will offer private suites with ensuite bathrooms, along with a shared kitchen and gathering spaces that are meant to create a sense of home. In addition to these living spaces, the village will feature a community hall, recreation areas, bistro, grocery store, art studio and therapeutic outdoor environments. Dedicated community and Indigenous-centred spaces — such as a sacred gathering space designed in consultation with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation — will foster a welcoming atmosphere for families, celebrations and cultural ceremonies.

The new long-term care home will also provide learning opportunities for students to explore careers in health care through local partnerships with educational institutions.

“This project represents a complete reimagining of what long-term care can and should be,” said Mark Blandford, president and CEO, Providence Living. “We’re creating a community where northern B.C. seniors can live with dignity, joy and purpose through our innovative long-term care village and Home for Us care model.”

In addition to this project, there are two more long-term care projects in development by Providence Living in northern B.C. Construction of a new long-term care home in Quesnel is expected to start in late 2026, and construction on a new long-term care home in Smithers will start in 2028. These three combined projects will replace 123 beds and provide 581 new long-term care beds to northern B.C.

The Province is investing more than $2 billion for long-term care facility redevelopment and replacement projects that will provide 2,297 beds in:

• Vancouver
• Colwood
• Abbotsford
• Richmond
• Nanaimo
• Delta
• Campbell River
• Kelowna
• Squamish
• Chilliwack
• Cranbrook

Quotes:

Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care —

“Long-term care is crucial throughout the province, providing essential support for seniors and ensuring they can live in comfort as they age. This new long-term care facility will enhance the lives of our residents, offering a safe, accessible and caring environment, promoting and maintaining connections to the community they love.”

Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health —

“This marks a step forward in our commitment to ensuring equitable, culturally safe care for all people in British Columbia. The new long-term care village will provide seniors in Prince George and surrounding communities with the opportunity to age with dignity, close to their families and their territories. By working in partnership with First Nations leaders, we are creating spaces that honour cultural traditions and support wholistic well-being.”

Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii —

“Long-term care is essential in northern B.C. where access to health-care services can be limited, ensuring seniors receive the care and support they need. The excitement surrounding the new long-term care home reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring seniors can stay in the community that they helped build.”

Colleen Nyce, board chair, Northern Health —

“Today marks a significant step forward in how we care for our seniors in the North. This new facility, built in partnership with Providence Living, reflects our shared commitment to creating a home where residents are supported with dignity, compassion and community. We’re proud to be building not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Jennifer Gibson, executive director, quality, practice and safety, Providence Living —

“The Prince George village will feature the innovative Home for Us care model, a made-in-B.C. approach that has transformed care at our Comox site. This social-relational model prioritizes residents’ autonomy, emotional connections and home-like living over traditional institutional care.”

Quick Facts:

• Northern B.C.’s senior population is expected to grow by 26% over the next decade.
• There are 1,141 publicly funded long-term care beds in northern B.C.

Surrey, BC – Surrey Art Gallery is pleased to announce the next exhibition at their offsite UrbanScreen venue. Annie Briard: Refracted Fields opens on Thursday, May 15. The artwork is on display every evening 30 minutes after sunset until midnight at Surrey Civic Plaza until July 29, 2025. Admission is free.

Refracted Fields presents a kaleidoscopic visual poem about the landscapes of British Columbia. The City Centre library façade optically spins apart to reveal rising tidewaters and meteor showers of light. Grand vistas of the Coast Mountains collide with close-up images of roadside plants. Floodplains, foothills and forests rip, fold, and burn up to reveal new views and reborn landscapes. Each natural element in Briard’s newest video work is inextricably linked to its visual components and counterparts in a poetic reflection on landscape, place, time, and the conventions of sight.

With its subtle handmade transformations and tricks, Refracted Landscapes is a subversive challenge to the high-tech visual imagery that viewers have come to expect in our digital age. Briard’s projection combines studio-based and in-the-field experiments with prisms, coloured gels, and digital and physical layering and animating to deconstruct the ways we perceive the world around us. Refracted Fields extends Briard’s ongoing practice that investigates the parallels between natural and artificial light, time, and perception, along with ecology, psychology, and neuroscience.

“Refracted Landscapes experiments with colour, light, and landscape in ways that evoke a long tradition of optical-perceptual art made about British Columbia landscapes,” says curator Jordan Strom, “yet Briard’s video projection explores human perception and the revelatory nature of the world’s ever-changing appearances at a time of unprecedented flux.”

About the Artist
Annie Briard (BFA, MFA) is a visual artist known for her practice in expanded photography and digital media. With beginnings in Montreal and now working from the Pacific Northwest, her works have been presented in numerous solo exhibitions, including at Royale Projects in Los Angeles (2024), Staring at the Sun at the Quebec Biennale (2022) and MKG127 in Toronto (2025); Superlucent (2022) at Monica Reyes Gallery and Within the Eclipse (2021) at the Burrard Arts Foundation in Vancouver. Briard has been artist-in-residence at High Desert Test sites in California, Wassaic Projects NY, SIM in Iceland, the Banff Centre for the Arts, among others in Europe and the US. Briard is a Lecturer in photography and media arts at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) on the ancestral territories of the Coast Salish peoples including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). For Refracted Fields, Briard was assisted by ECUAD students Miranda Firmston (sound) and Mike Partridge (video). anniebriard.com

About Surrey Art Gallery
Founded in 1975, Surrey Art Gallery presents contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, including digital and audio art. Recognized for its award-winning programs, the Gallery engages children through to adults in ongoing conversations that affect our lives and provides opportunities to interact with artists and the artistic process. The Gallery is located at 13750 88 Avenue in Surrey on the unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) nations. Surrey Art Gallery gratefully acknowledges operating funding from the City of Surrey, Province of BC through BC Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Surrey Art Gallery Association.

Surrey, B.C. – The City of Surrey has been recognized by the BC Recreation and Parks Association with two prestigious provincial awards, celebrating innovation, leadership, and community engagement in recreation, parks and culture.

“These awards highlight Surrey’s commitment to creating outstanding events, programs, and facilities that have a meaningful impact on our community,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Our council prioritizes the development of parks and civic facilities to support our rapidly growing city. This recognition reflects our dedication to fostering high-quality and accessible recreation opportunities that enhance residents’ quality of life and connect our community. Together, we are building a city where everyone matters—a place that celebrates diversity, supports families, and fosters a sense of belonging.”

The Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team (SALT) received the Community Leadership Award, acknowledging its outstanding contributions in fostering accessible and inclusive environments throughout Surrey’s Parks, Recreation and Culture programs and services. SALT is dedicated to advancing inclusion for all Surrey residents. Composed of City of Surrey staff and community members with diverse lived experiences of disability and identity, the team works to address systemic barriers and advocate for equitable access to programs, services and public spaces.

“We are incredibly proud of the Surrey Accessibility Leadership Team for being recognized with the Community Leadership Award.” Said Amit, Co-chair SALT. “This honour reflects the dedication and vision of a team committed to building a more inclusive city.  Through lived experience and diversity, SALT continues to lead meaningful change in how we design and deliver accessible recreation and park services across Surrey.”

In addition, Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House with the Facility Excellence Award for capital projects under $6 million. This award recognizes outstanding facility design that reflect community culture and ultimately enhances the wellbeing of the community. Totest Aleng is a unique space that is dedicated to Indigenous cultural practices, employing or collaborating with Indigenous cultural practitioners through artist residencies, public workshops and lectures, special events, private gatherings, and curriculum-current school programs.

“Totest Aleng: Indigenous Learning House receiving the Facility Excellence Award is a testament to meaningful and respectful consultation and collaboration.” Said Kristin Hardie, Heritage Services Manager. “This is a special space that enables a broad range of Indigenous cultural programming and celebrates community connections and learning. We are honoured to see it recognized this way.”

BC Recreation and Parks Association program recognizes outstanding special events, programs, facilities, parks and dedicated individuals whose ideas, innovation, and services make an impact in the recreation, parks and culture sector.

Residents and long-weekend travellers are encouraged to plan ahead, be prepared and stay safe this Victoria Day long weekend.

At this time of year, most new wildfires are preventable, and people are being asked to take precautions with any fire use this weekend. People should stay up to date on current wildfire activity, check for road closures, evacuation alerts and evacuation orders, and pay attention to weather conditions. A prohibition on Category 2 and 3 open burning is in place in the Cariboo Fire Centre and parts of the Northwest Fire Centre, as well as a summer-long Category 3 open-burning prohibition in the Kamloops Fire Centre starting Friday, May 16, 2025. Fire restrictions in all regions will be updated as conditions change.

The BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to check the current wildfire situation, road conditions, evacuation information and weather forecasts. People can report new wildfires and submit photos of those fires or associated smoke, which helps inform BC Wildfire Service operational decision-making. Wildfires can also be reported by calling *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555 (toll-free).

There are several ways to help protect your property from wildfires. Whether you are in an urban or rural area, proven FireSmart tips can help safeguard your home and property, including:

• Clear dry leaves and debris from around your property.
• Move propane tanks and other flammables at least 10 metres from structures.
• Keep grass cut short.
• Close doors and windows.
• Water trees, shrubs and plants following local water restrictions.

Many garden centres can help people choose more fire-resistant plants and create a more resilient landscape around their homes and neighbourhoods.

B.C. continues to receive below-average precipitation for this time of year, which is having a lasting impact on water levels, and there is potential for prolonged drought this year. People are encouraged to take steps to use water more efficiently and plan for potential drought conditions.

For people venturing into the backcountry, it is important to remember the three Ts – trip planning, training and taking the essentials. AdventureSmart programs and tools help people stay safe outdoors by encouraging people to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to enjoy outdoor activities and being mindful that safety is a shared responsibility: https://www.adventuresmart.ca/

People travelling in the province are encouraged to know before they go. Those who are on the road this long weekend should plan ahead and obey road closures and restrictions to stay safe. For the latest road conditions and updates, visit: https://www.drivebc.ca

Drivers on routes throughout the province should expect higher-than-average traffic volumes and plan accordingly. General tips for a safe trip include:

• allowing additional time to get to your destination due to more people on roads;
• making sure your vehicle is ready for the drive by having a full tank of gas or charged battery, checking engine oil, washer fluid, lights and tires, including the spare;
• packing food and water for passengers and pets;
• planning breaks at rest areas: https://www.th.gov.bc.ca/restareas;
• watching for motorcyclists and sharing the road with cyclists and other users;
• obeying all posted speed limits and driving with caution, especially during bad weather;
• checking weather forecasts for the route you will be travelling as conditions can change quickly in the mountain passes;
• leaving the phone alone while behind the wheel; and
• ensuring all passengers use seatbelts at all times.

As of Wednesday, May 14, 2025, there are 28 active wildfires burning in B.C. Of these fires, 9 are considered out of control.

People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Abbotsford will have access to more shelter spaces, with 22 new spaces open and 45 spaces opening over the coming months.

“Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to stay, and by building more shelter spaces, we’re ensuring the community as a whole is stronger for everyone,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This is another example of our work to bring people safely indoors with access to the important services they need to have full, healthy lives. Homelessness and encampments are a tough challenge, but we’re starting to make real progress in Abbotsford with the new units opening.”

The shelter at 2509 Pauline St., operated by Lookout Housing and Health Society, opened its doors for 22 new shelter spaces in early April. It gives people who had been staying outdoors or in an encampment a safe place to stay. Pauline Shelter will be operated separately from the Lighthouse Shelter with 20 spaces that are open in a former hotel.

“Shelters give people chances to clean their lives up, give them opportunities like connecting them to a job, getting taxes done, getting stuff that they’re not good at doing, and figuring out what resources are available to them,” said Roy, who has lived experience. “Shelters help people sleep better, stay clean, find opportunities to get clean (off drugs), connect with peers to help them move forward in life.”

Two additional shelters will open soon, reflecting the Province’s ongoing commitment to provide housing and support services for people in need. At 2539 Montvue Ave., 30 shelter spaces are complete and people can start moving in in June 2025. At 1661 McCallum Rd., renovations for the expansion of the existing shelter with 15 spaces will begin in summer 2025, to increase the shelter’s capacity to 30 spaces. People are expected to be welcomed in by fall 2025.

The operators of these shelters will provide a variety of services for guests, including life-skills training, referrals to employment assistance and counselling, and physical and mental-health resources. The buildings will have at least two staff members on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that residents are supported. Security will include camera monitoring and a controlled single point of entry.

The shelters will have staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support guests.

These shelters are part of the B.C. government’s $19-billion investment in homes for people and actions to drive the construction of more homes people can afford. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway, including more than 930 units in Abbotsford since 2017 with an additional 182 temporary supportive housing spaces opened or underway.

Quick Facts:

• In April 2024, the Province and the City of Abbotsford signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that reaffirmed their shared commitment to work together to support people experiencing homelessness.
• As of last winter, the Province, through BC Housing, funded more than 6,300 permanent, temporary, emergency weather-response shelter spaces throughout B.C.
• Additionally, there are also almost 1,200 homelessness and encampment-response temporary housing spaces open or underway to bring people who are sheltering outdoors indoors.
• Shelters and temporary supportive housing sites are intended to support people in the transition to permanent, stable homes.
• Since 2017, the Province has 9,050 supportive homes completed or underway in B.C.​

Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on Moose Hide Campaign Day:

“Today, the call to end violence against women and children is being heard throughout the country.

“Moose Hide Campaign Day brings together hundreds of thousands of people to fast, participate in walks and events, and pin small squares of moose hide to their lapels to show their commitment to condemning violence against women, children, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people.

“More than a decade ago, the Moose Hide Campaign started in B.C. as an Indigenous-led grassroots effort to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and children. It has since grown to a nationwide movement and has been a powerful force for positive change.

“Our government is proud to support the campaign as part of our ongoing work to end gender-based violence and work toward true and lasting reconciliation with Indigenous people. This work includes partnering with Indigenous people to increase safety and supports for survivors, uplift Indigenous-led approaches and break the cycle of violence through prevention, healing and accountability. Together, we have made significant progress, but we need to do more.

“Violence against women and children remains a persistent yet preventable problem throughout the country, and Indigenous women continue to experience violence at a higher rate than non-Indigenous women. We all have a responsibility to take a stand against violence and help create safe homes, workplaces and communities.

“Today, I will wear my moose hide pin and reflect on what further actions I can take as a father, as a husband and as premier, to make British Columbia a place where everyone feels safe and supported. I encourage everyone to do the same. Together, we can end the cycle of violence and create a brighter future for all.”

Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said:

“Moose Hide Campaign Day is an opportunity for us to come together and work toward meaningful and impactful change for women, children, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. Our government is committed to supporting Indigenous-led approaches and healing for survivors and their families and will continue to work to address the underlying causes of gender-based violence.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said:

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. On Moose Hide Campaign Day, we stand together against violence guided by Indigenous tradition, ceremony and leadership. I am proud to wear my moose hide pin and support this essential work.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“Indigenous women and girls are more likely to be murdered, assaulted or go missing than any other women in the country. It’s crucial that we persist in tackling the underlying issues of violence, such as colonialism, racism and misogyny. We will also continue to support Indigenous self-determination, safety planning and healing through Indigenous-led initiatives that promote capacity building, and culturally safe approaches and solutions to address gender-based violence.”

To better protect people and communities throughout B.C. from the increasing threat of natural and climate-related emergencies, the Province is providing more than $40 million for 61 projects.

The Province is supporting First Nations and local governments with projects that address natural and climate-driven hazards, such as floods, drought, extreme temperatures, earthquakes and landslides. Approximately $21 million is being provided from the new Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program in addition to almost $20 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

“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. “By supporting communities on these projects, we are helping to better protect these communities and the people who call them home. Our new DRIF program provides reliable, long-term funding so communities can better plan for and address their most pressing disaster-mitigation needs.”

The City of Pitt Meadows is receiving more than $3.6 million from the DRIF program to upgrade components of the Kennedy Drainage Pump Station to counter threats, such as flood and sea-level rise, drought and water scarcity. The project, in consultation with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation, includes installing higher-capacity pumps and new debris screens. These upgrades will also ensure that fish can travel from the Katzie Slough into the Pitt River during high-water periods.

“Thank you to the Province for this meaningful investment and partnership in advancing climate-action initiatives, including flood-mitigation efforts,” said Nicole MacDonald, mayor of Pitt Meadows. “This funding will make a real difference for the long-term resilience of our city. Not only will we be able to replace aging infrastructure with higher-capacity, modern pumps, but we will be incorporating fish-friendly features that reflect our community’s environmental values.”

Other key projects include:

• A remediation project for the Bouffioux Coulee in Fort St. John will improve the coulee’s berm to protect homes, the sewer outfall pipeline and the River Drive embankment along the Peace River.
• Seismic planning for the City of Burnaby will improve infrastructure to limit potential damage during earthquakes.
• Creating an urban forest for the Nazko First Nation will provide relief during extreme-heat events. The project will also improve flood resilience by increasing soil stability as the trees’ roots mature.

“Nazko First Nation is extremely pleased to have the opportunity to establish an urban forest,” said Nazko First Nation Chief Leah Stump. “This project will not only mitigate the impacts of climate change and extreme heat, but will also provide additional benefits such as biodiversity, flood mitigation, soil conservation and beautification.”

Since 2017, government funding programs have provided more than $540 million for approximately 2,660 disaster-preparedness and mitigation projects.

Quotes:

Lisa Beare, MLA, Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows –

“Homes, farmland and infrastructure in our community will be better protected through these critical upgrades to the Kennedy Pump Station. Through this partnership, the Pitt Meadows community will be better equipped to prepare and respond to emergencies. By investing and collaborating today, we’re helping to ensure a more resilient and secure future for everyone.”

Jim Lequiere, acting mayor, Fort St. John –

“This funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is helping Fort St. John take critical steps to reduce flood risk and protect our community. Upgrades to the Bouffioux Coulee berm, a new sewer outfall pipeline and River Drive embankment improvements will reduce flood risks, safeguard critical infrastructure and strengthen our readiness for extreme-weather events.”

Trish Mandewo, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities –

“Local governments are on the front lines of responding to climate-related emergencies and the need for proactive, community-driven solutions has never been greater. UBCM is proud to partner with the Province in delivering CEPF funding, which equips communities across B.C. with the tools and resources they need to adapt to a changing climate and reduce disaster risks before they happen.”