B.C. launches $20M Fraser Valley flood mitigation fund
The British Columbia government says a new $20-million flood mitigation program for the Fraser Valley will help support farmers and food resiliency in prime agricultural areas that were inundated by floodwaters in November 2021.
A statement from the Agriculture Ministry says the funding will be used for community-scale projects that protect and restore local ecosystems and wetlands, such as culvert improvements, embankment stabilization and crop diversification.
It says individual farms affected by the 2021 flooding may also be eligible for funding to support projects such as erosion control, the development of natural buffers and drainage systems and improving storage for fuel and animal feed.
Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis says climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense flooding to “the biggest agricultural growing region” in B.C., so it's important to take action now in the Fraser Valley.
Eligible participants for community-based projects include non-profit enterprises, food and agriculture industry associations, Indigenous groups and local governments, with up to $5 million available for infrastructure projects.
Agricultural producers affected by the 2021 flooding may be able to apply for up to 90 per cent funding for farm flood mitigation projects costing up to $200,000.
The Fraser Valley flood mitigation program is part of a $200-million investment in food security announced by the B.C. government in March.
Abbotsford is holding public meetings this week on its long-term plans to reduce the city’s vulnerability to future floods, though some more immediate projects are complete.
“We have done the main dike breach repair, we’ve built the dikes up about half a metre since the event. The other dike breach has been repaired,” said Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens.
“We are in a much better place prior to 2021, but longer term, we know there is going to be other events in the future and that’s what we need to prepare for,” Siemens said.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Michele Brunoro.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2023.
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