The foreshore between two Gibsons beaches is getting a $2 million boost from the provincial government.
On July 11, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness announced $44 million for more than 70 projects in B.C. communities.
The funds will go through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s Disaster Risk Reduction Climate Adaptation program. Sunshine Coast local governments have seen several announcements of funding under the same stream this year: for coastal flood risk mapping by the Sunshine Coast Regional District, and $120,000 for four fire departments.
Town council decided to apply for the grant in February to conduct foreshore restoration from Armours Beach to the public wharf. Assessment of the foreshore between Armours and Atlee beaches was completed in 2014, which reported wharf erosion and damage from tidal flooding and wave action was occurring in that area, and forecasted worsening conditions as tide and storm events continue and intensify with climate change.
The funds for Gibsons is listed in the small-scale structural activities category.
“With the severe flooding, drought and wildfires we’ve experienced recently, we are seeing direct impacts of climate change here in B.C.,” Ma said in the press release. “We’re investing in mitigation projects across the province so we can reduce the risk of disasters when they happen. These projects will help communities better protect themselves against climate-related events and increase their resilience in the long run to keep people across B.C safer.”
With files from Connie Jordison
