Feds pledge more money to help B.C. with fallout from climate change emergencies
After a deadly heat dome, devastating wildfires, and damaging floods, the federal government will provide $870 million dollars to British Columbia to help deal with recovery efforts due to floods, landslides and storms.
Some of the money will be used to rebuild damaged private and public infrastructure as well as to cover some of the recovery work the province has already completed, according to Solicitor General Mike Farnworth.
Up to 15 per cent of the money can be earmarked to fire-proof and flood-proof infrastructure as the province braces for future extreme weather events driven by climate change.
In June, Ottawa announced $207 million in support for wildfire recovery efforts.
Monday's funding announcement came as firefighters battled the Nohomin Creek Fire which is out of control and dangerously close to the Village of Lytton and the Lytton First Nation. Several homes have already burned to the ground.
John Haugen, Deputy Chief of the Lytton First Nation, welcomed the funding announcement. He said he spoke to some of the people who lost everything and that they are now in temporary accommodations.
He said the longer-term future is uncertain, noting it could be very challenging for six families in a tight housing market. At the same time, he said many people were stepping up with offers of help.
"It's a little bit daunting but at the same time, there are enough people who can assist," Haugen added.
Farnworth, who is in charge of Emergency Management B.C. said 96 crew members and eight helicopters were attacking the fire, pointing out the weather is a key factor in what happens going forward.
Forty-five evacuees have already registered in Cache Creek, and 107 in Lillooet, he added.
As of early this afternoon, Farnworth said the wildfire had grown to 18.5 square kilometres, and crews were able to hold the line at the north and south end of the fire.
"The real issue right now is it is moving in westerly direction toward the Stein Valley provincial park."
The province's fire season has started later than usual, due to wet weather throughout most areas o ver the srping. Still, Farnworth warned hot and dry conditions are expected in the weeks ahead. He said volunteers and crews would be on the ground to battle wildfires, and help people fleeing their homes.
Farnworth shared this message with the public: "People need to recognize when there's a campfire ban out there, you observe it, you don't flick cigarette butts out the car window, some basic common sense."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.