Springtime, says Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu, brings a sense of joy and renewal for many.
Except, maybe, in the Village of Lumby, where spring signals a heightened risk of flooding.
The village will receive $400,000 from Victoria for its Duteau Creek flood mitigation works preliminary design project.
“As someone who has long advocated for climate resilience and the protection of our rural and natural environments, I am proud to see this critical investment moving forward," Sandhu said. "It builds on the $15 million previously secured for fire mitigation and watershed protection in the Duteau Creek watershed, demonstrating our government’s ongoing commitment to proactive, long-term solutions.
"This is not just about managing seasonal challenges; it’s about protecting homes, ecosystems, and livelihoods today, while securing a safer, stronger future for the people of Lumby and beyond.”
The project is a continuation of the village’s flood mitigation plan that will reduce the risk of flooding and increase resilience. A proposed new dike would provide structural flood mitigation to the project area.
Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton said the village has received a few of these type of provincial grants to replace temporary dikes that had been used during the floods of 2017.
"We have been slowly replacing these with proper engineered structures," Acton said. "We are very happy to have these protecting our community in the future."
Across B.C., 46 communities are receiving approximately $41 million for 61 projects. The projects will help reduce the impact of future climate disasters by addressing current vulnerabilities and by supporting informed planning and decision making.
