Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, announced more than $21.7 million in federal funding to help prevent floods in Malahat Nation and the Gwa'sala-ʼNakwaxda'xw Nations.
The Gwa'sala-ʼNakwaxda'xw Nations is receiving $12,200,000 to address recurring coastal and river flooding. As sea levels rise, this low-lying area is at risk of experiencing more severe and frequent floods - and this funding will help address that risk. Based on the selected preliminary design, this project will include the construction of a new planned beach, the building of a dike and the raising of the lands behind it, upgrades and raising of the existing bridge, and the rebuilding of lower-lying lands at a higher level to help prevent flooding in Tsulquate 4.
In addition, the Malahat Nation is receiving $9,504,572 to rehabilitate and modernize the aging Oliphant Lake dam. The construction of a rockfill addition downstream and a new spillway will control the release of water. The upgrades will manage reservoir levels and water output from Oliphant Lake to help protect the community and the lands downstream from flooding.
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Expert research suggests that every dollar invested in prevention and preparation can save up to 15 dollars in costs. Adapting to climate change requires all orders of government, the private sector, and Canadians, to work together to build resilient communities and a stronger economy, to ensure Canadians continue to thrive into the future.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.
