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Extreme Heat Map coming for Delta, TFN

The information is to further support the service agreements TFN has with Delta Police and Delta Fire and Emergency Services
heatwave-in-the-city-of-delta-bc
The Extreme Heat Risk Mapping, Assessment and Planning project will help to identify the social, economic and environmental impacts of extreme heat events, as well as the potential slow onset risks heat may have on Delta and the TFN.

City of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) are partnering to undertake a combined heat risk assessment and comprehensive evaluation of the risks extreme heat poses to the communities.

The two governments recently wrapped up a request for bids for a consultant to help undertake the completion of an Extreme Heat Risk Map, and subsequent updates to Delta and TFN's Extreme Heat Response and Emergency Plans.

It’s to ensure that staff have accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme heat, how those risks will change over time to support the development and continual revision of response plans and strategies to prepare, mitigate and adapt to extreme heat events.

“This collaborative approach will help to ensure that all available resources for the preparation for and adaptation to extreme heat events are leveraged, and that information is freely shared between the two communities to assist in the mitigation of impacts on both communities,” the request for proposals noted.

Having the information will help staff to engage with heat-sensitive populations, including the elderly, isolated, people with disabilities or functional limitations, and provide information to those populations and community at large on the risks associated with extreme heat. The planning is to also help refine resources and strategies, such as the implementation of cooling centres.

The province earlier this year announced that 36 First Nations and local governments are receiving a share of almost $1.9 million in funding to help communities implement projects such as extreme heat risk mapping, risk assessments, extreme heat response plans and climate adaptation planning.

The City of Delta and Tsawwassen First Nation received $60,000 in funding for extreme heat risk mapping, assessment and planning.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is part of the Province’s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, and adds to the BC Heat Alert and Response System launched earlier this year. The $189-million fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.

At this year’s UBCM convention, an extreme heat response resolution from the City of Delta was approved by delegates.

The resolution requested the B.C. government recognize extreme heat events as public health emergencies, similar to the extreme weather response program, and fund local government response measures to ensure the public has access to cooling centres and other assistance during extreme heat events.