The province is committing $550,000 toward a flood mitigation project in Delta, it was announced Wednesday.
The $825,000 project includes a $275,000 contribution from the Corporation of Delta, a press release explains, adding that the combined funding will help Delta upgrade the foreshore and seawall protecting over 2,000 residents in areas that have been hit by frequent flooding.
“By investing now into these projects we are minimizing the risk of damage to homes in an area we know gets the brunt of Mother Nature,” said Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton, who made the announcement on behalf of the provincial emergency preparedness minister Naomi Yamamoto. “This is a good return on investment for the province and will increase public safety and security to citizens living in the area.”
Delta is embarking on two projects that will mitigate flood risk arising from high tides, storm surges and wind driven waves, the release notes. In the Beach Grove area Delta will replace a section of deteriorating seawall that has developed large cracks. The second area targeted for mitigation is a 450-metre section of dike in Boundary Bay at the southern end of 96th Street, where Delta will install large rip rap material to minimize debris deposits and damage from storms.
“This funding will not only strengthen our defences against unforeseen weather events, it will also mitigate the effects of climate change and strengthen our community by providing safety, economic security, and peace of mind to our residents and businesses,” said Delta Mayor Lois Jackson.
The money is part of a previous provincial public safety funding announcement made in February.
