The Town of Qualicum Beach is one of five B.C. communities that are benefiting from an influx of funding from the provincial and federal governments for “disaster mitigation infrastructure” projects.
The funding is intended to help communities prepare for extreme weather and climate events.
In Qualicum Beach, a nearly $1.88 million project is being funded to replace the Beach Creek Culvert at Crescent Road East.
The culvert is located beneath a steep road embankment, and the new replacement will allow more temporary storage of water and flow control during heavy rainfall.
The federal government adds that the culvert crosses a creek and fish habitat, which can be impacted by strong run-offs.
Ottawa is providing $750,000 for the project, the B.C. government is contributing $624,938, and the Town of Qualicum Beach is providing $500,062.
Qualicum Beach is the only Vancouver Island community that is receiving a slice of the $26 million in funding from all three levels of government.
The largest project on the list is located in Princeton, where roughly $6.45 million is being spent on the construction of a new well and water treatment centre.
The federal funding is coming from Ottawa’s “Green Infrastructure Stream” of its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The stream is used for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support renewable energy, or help communities prepare for changing climate events.
The full list can be found on the Government of Canada website.
SEE ALSO: B.C. unveils flood strategy, adds $39 million in funding for flood mitigation
Adam Chan
