New funding program helps protect people, communities from climate emergencies

On June 18, 2024, the Province announced the Disaster Resilience and Innovation Funding (DRIF) program. By supporting disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation projects in B.C., the DRIF program will help better protect people and communities from natural and climate-driven emergencies.

The fund will provide approximately $15 million to First Nations and local governments in its first year and $25 million in its second year. Eligible projects include foundational, non-structural, and structural projects that address eligible hazards such as drought and water scarcity, extreme temperature, and flood.

The DRIF program is currently accepting expressions of interest (EOIs) for funding considerations for the 2024/25 fiscal year until September 15th, 2024. Any EOIs received after this date will be considered for the 2025/26 fiscal year.Please learn more about eligibility and submitting an EOI by visiting the DRIF Program webpage, or contact the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness at EMCR.DisasterMitigation@gov.bc.ca.