By Sebastian Kanally, Times Chronicle
Oliver will still take a regional approach to Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerabilities Assessment (HRVA), but the province says the town must apply for funding individually.
In October 2024, Oliver town council decided that it would apply for the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation funding program which allows municipalities to apply for up to $50,000 for HRVA.
Part of this motion was that the Regional District of the Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) would administer and manage the funding on behalf of the town.
The town would then work collaboratively with the RDOS, local first nations, and local authorities on a regional approach to assessing risk and vulnerabilities.
The day-to-day management of the project would be led by the RDOS and not the town.
The project elements will remain the same, but the town was informed that in order for the application to be successful UBCM would require an updated resolution requiring a change in how the money will flow.
The intent of the Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation funding is to reduce risks from future disasters as a result of natural hazards and climate related risks.
UBCM program materials explain that risk reduction can be achieved through the development and implementation of accurate knowledge of the natural hazards communities face, the risks associated with BC’s changing climate, and effective strategies to prepare for, mitigate, and adapt to those risks.
