Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea-to-Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Karen Elliott, Mayor of the District of Squamish, announced funding to help prevent floods in Squamish.
Squamish, British Columbia, July 30, 2021—The governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to help create jobs, support local economies, and make communities more resilient.
Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea-to-Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Karen Elliott, Mayor of the District of Squamish, announced funding to help prevent floods in Squamish.
Through the Jimmy Jimmy Judd Slough Replacement Project, the District of Squamish will replace two decommissioned culverts within the Squamish River Dike with a new flood box. The new box is designed to control seepage through the dike and will be controlled via automatically operated sluice gates. The culvert will be equipped with instrumentation to measure rainfall, water levels within Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough and the Squamish River as well as the flow through the culvert to ensure it is operating properly. The replacement of the culverts will help prevent dike failure and protect the surrounding community from potential flood threats.
The Government of Canada is investing $1.4 million in this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream. Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment requirements.
“We have seen how climate change has increased the severity and frequency of devastating extreme weather events, floods, land erosion and fast-flowing rivers, putting whole communities at risk. Municipalities need the resources to fully respond to these challenges. This project will help Squamish make the necessary upgrades to the Squamish River dike to protect our community from potential floods. Working with our provincial and municipal partners, our government will continue to build the infrastructure that will ensure communities are resilient to climate variability and change.”
Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea-to-Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The funding announced today will modernize our flooding infrastructure to better protect homes, businesses and the community of Squamish. Our government will continue working with federal and local partners to make valuable investments in infrastructure that support flood risk management, helping keep our communities livable and safe.”
The Honourable Mike Farnworth, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
“Restoration of the salmon spawning habitat is a shared goal with the Squamish Nation and this project is critical to our ability of improving water quality and aquatic habitat in the Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough. We wish to thank the federal and provincial government for these funds that will allow us to build community resiliency while protecting, enhancing and preserving the health of our watershed and ecosystem.”
Mayor Karen Elliott, District of Squamish
Emelyana Titarenko
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
873-355-9576
emelyana.titarenko@infc.gc.ca
Jordan Turner
Director of Communications
Emergency Management BC
236-478-0210
Jordan.Turner@gov.bc.ca
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Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, have approved a formal Request for Federal Assistance from the Province of British Columbia to support their efforts to combat wildfires and augment federal resources already on the ground.
July 20, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, have approved a formal Request for Federal Assistance from the Province of British Columbia to support their efforts to combat wildfires and augment federal resources already on the ground.
British Columbia is currently experiencing a wildfire season well above the seasonal average and has deployed all available provincial and local resources to respond to fires across the province, particularly in the southern and central parts of the province.
In response to this request for assistance, the Canadian Armed Forces will be sending up to an additional 350 personnel to support extinguishing and monitoring of hot spots on contained fires.
Since early July, Canadian Armed Forces have been providing airlift support to transport personnel, supplies, and equipment into and out of areas affected by wildfires throughout the province, and to support evacuations in emergencies when required.
The Government Operations Centre is working to coordinate the federal response to the wildfire situation in British Columbia and across the country. Officials are working closely with federal and provincial partners to coordinate this assistance.
“British Columbians can rest assured that there are strong federal and provincial mechanisms in place to ensure that we work together to protect Canadians from wildfires and other natural disasters. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to thank responding partners at all levels of government, particularly the firefighting personnel on the ground and in the air, for their commitment to the safety of all Canadians.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been working with B.C. Wildfire Service to help them fight forest fires, and now that British Columbia needs more help we will be there. We are sending up to 350 Canadian Armed Forces members to help the B.C. Wildfire Service staff with their critical efforts.”
– The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“The Province is deploying all available resources to respond to wildfires across the B.C. interior, and we welcome the additional support from the federal government. Air support from Canadian Forces has already proved invaluable in moving crews and equipment throughout the province and aiding in precautionary evacuations.”
– Mike Farnworth, BC Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Madeleine Gomery
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-292-0370
madeleine.gomery@ps-sp.gc.ca
Daniel Minden
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100
daniel.minden@forces.gc.ca
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services and the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, today released the following statement in regards to the wildfires in British Columbia.
Ottawa, Ontario (July 11, 2021) – Statement
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services and the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, today released the following statement in regards to the wildfires in British Columbia.
“Over the past few days, representatives from the Government of Canada and British Columbia have regularly met with a number of First Nation leaders. Discussions have focussed on the emergency response, and how we can work together to improve the response and preparedness process.
We heard clear concerns regarding safe rail operations and are taking immediate actions to address them. On Friday, July 9, 2021, Transport Canada issued a Ministerial Order to cease movement of trains between Kamloops and Boston Bar, British Columbia for 48 hours. This was done in the interest of safe railway operations and to protect residents who temporarily returned to inspect their homes. This action also allowed space for important and timely discussions with First Nation leaders. Transport Canada is committed to building on these recent discussions with Indigenous leadership and local communities to develop a sustained structured process for engagement and consultations on issues related to rail safety and the impacts of rail operations on communities.
Issued on July 11, 2021, a new Ministerial Order from Transport Canada requires railways to take precautionary measures to further protect against wildfires in the context of extreme weather conditions – due to climate change. It includes targeted speed restrictions, increased equipment inspections, and staging and deployment of additional fire prevention equipment for more rapid response to any fire along the right of way, as well as additional fire detection and reporting requirements.
Additionally, Transport Canada invited affected First Nation leaders to participate in a demonstration of a rail safety inspection with Transport Canada rail safety experts. In the coming days the Government of Canada, along with Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), will continue to engage on additional actions and will be organizing additional briefs.
There are a number of investigations ongoing into the tragic Lytton area fire, led by the following agencies: BC Wildfire Services, BC Coroner’s Office, the RCMP, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. We recognize the importance of trust and confidence in these investigations. Given the independence of these agencies from the governments of Canada and British Columbia, Indigenous Services Canada encourages them to include processes where First Nation and local government voices are heard.
To address other concerns of First Nation leaders, the Government of Canada, working with the Province of British Columbia, is committed to:
Continuing to work with First Nation leaders on concrete steps in the short term to improve the emergency response process, especially around increasing communication and coordinating communication during emergencies.
Immediately funding initial supports directly to affected households to help them get through this challenging time. We also acknowledge the importance of mental health supports and will work with First Nations, and in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority, to identify how best to meet these needs.
Recognizing the expertise of the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society (FNESS), by providing support to the Society for immediate surge capacity to deliver greater emergency response and preparedness, such as FireSmart programming, which is especially important since the risk of wildfires remains. Specifically, through its Emergency Management Assistance Program, Indigenous Services Canada will also provide a requested $1.8 million in additional funding to FNESS to increase the ability of this experienced emergency management partner to respond to this wildfire season. Indigenous Services Canada will also provide requested funding of $248,000 to the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), to be divided equally among the member organizations (the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs) to address immediate response needs for the 2021 wildfire season.
Supporting affected First Nations to identify and address the infrastructure needs resulting from damages sustained during the wildfires. Public Safety Canada stands ready to support efforts to move forward on emergency preparedness, especially for First Nations that are at risk in the immediate fire season. The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to focus on proactive prevention efforts to build back better with a view on how to better prepare for the kinds of wildfires risks seen already.
Developing a longer-term partnership approach that recognizes the benefits and expertise of First Nation leadership and FNESS in emergency management, preparedness and response moving toward a tripartite agreement on emergency management in BC.
We want to recognize First Nation leaders and organizations for the care and dedication focused on their communities; in particular, we hold our hands up to First Nations who have taken in evacuees and are caring for them as family. The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nation leaders and provincial partners to advance emergency response measures in the short term and long term for better outcomes.
We are committed to ongoing discussions and engagements directly with First Nations leaders in response to the wildfires in British Columbia, and to strengthening the important relationship with Indigenous peoples. We are committed to working to advance a shared path to reconciliation and to renew the relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on the affirmation of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. It is important that we find new ways of working together so we can build a path forward together.”
Adrienne Vaupshas
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services
adrienne.vaupshas@canada.ca
Madeleine Gomery
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-292-0370
madeleine.gomery@ps-sp.gc.ca
Allison St-Jean
Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport, Ottawa
(613) 290-8656
Allison.St-Jean@tc.gc.ca
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Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver, announced funding to redesign Deep Cove’s village core along Lower Gallant Avenue in North Vancouver. For the occasion, they were also joined by Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, and Susie Chant, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver–Seymour.
North Vancouver, British Columbia, June 11, 2021—The safety and well-being of people is a top priority of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Supporting local infrastructure during this extraordinary time will help create jobs, support local economies, and make our communities healthier, more inclusive and more resilient.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, and His Worship Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver, announced funding to redesign Deep Cove’s village core along Lower Gallant Avenue in North Vancouver. For the occasion, they were also joined by Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, and Susie Chant, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver–Seymour.
The project consists of redesigning lower Gallant Avenue to revitalize the community core, support safe outdoor public spaces, and help sustain local businesses. It also includes reconfiguring the road right-of-way to create more pedestrian space, adding permanent loading zones for commercial vehicles, installing stormwater infrastructure, pavers and sidewalks, furnishings and lighting, among other things. Once completed, the redesigned village core will help meet seasonal and community needs such as protected seating and gathering space in the spring, summer and fall, as well as additional parking spaces in the winter.
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing over $3.3 million towards this project through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Community Resilience stream. Canada is contributing over $2,655,000, and B.C.’s share is more than $663,000. Announcements for other projects under this stream will be announced in the coming weeks.
“I’m proud that our government is investing $2.6 million to revitalize the Deep Cove area, which has so much to offer to patrons and the community at large. Through a strong partnership with B.C. and the municipality, we continue to provide North Vancouver residents with infrastructure that encourages active transportation and well-being, and creates cleaner, healthier communities for generations to come. I look forward to visiting the redesigned space in the near future.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Our government continues to support communities throughout the pandemic by making smart investments in infrastructure, supporting local businesses and stabilizing the economy. Canada’s Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates good jobs across Canada, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour
“Through the COVID-19 Resilience funding stream, our government is committed to encouraging active outdoor experiences and improving local amenities while investing in BC communities to promote economic recovery. This project will enhance the scenic waterfront village of Deep Cove with more space for people to enjoy the community’s attractions and businesses and ensure a safe gathering space for people and visitors today and in the future.”
The Honourable Josie Osborne, British Columbia’s Minister of Municipal Affairs
“People in North Vancouver are looking forward to gathering together again, at events like festivals and markets and to enjoy what our local businesses have to offer. This new plaza in Deep Cove will help us do exactly that, and make our community even more welcoming and vibrant. I look forward to seeing everyone there once it’s complete.”
Susie Chant, Member of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly for North Vancouver–Seymour
“Deep Cove is one of the most visited gems of the North Shore. This generous grant funding from both the Federal and Provincial governments enables us to realize a shared vision with the community on ways to preserve the unique village feel that people love, while addressing challenges that come with high numbers of visitors. We look forward to hearing from the community about what would make Deep Cove Village more livable for them.”
His Worship Mike Little, Mayor of the District of North Vancouver
Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Throughout B.C., the Government of Canada has invested more than $4.3 billion in over 550 infrastructure projects under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.
The Province is investing $3.6 billion over a 10-year period under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program for British Columbia’s infrastructure initiatives.
To support Canadians and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID-19 Resilience Stream has been added to the over $33-billion Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to help fund pandemic-resilient infrastructure. Existing program streams have also been adapted to include more eligible project categories.
Under the COVID-19 Resilience Stream, the federal cost share for public infrastructure projects is 80% in the provinces, and 100% in the territories and for projects intended for Indigenous communities.
Michelle Johnston
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-298-7386
Michelle.Johnson@canada.ca
Cassie Brondgeest
Communications Coordinator
District of North Vancouver
604-209-8841
BrondgeestC@dnv.org
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