WHEREAS the coastal regions of British Columbia are at risk of significant loss of life, property damage and economic disruption in the event of a tsunami; AND WHEREAS the cost of reducing those risks is beyond the financial capability of coastal communities: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM request that the provincial and federal governments provide adequate funding to coastal communities for planning, public education and infrastructure improvements to reduce the risk of loss of life, property damage and economic disruption in the event of a tsunami.
Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General The Provincial Emergency Program has undertaken numerous initiatives in support of local government preparedness for tsunamis through the Tsunami Integrated Preparedness TIP Project. These initiatives include: -a 1million grant program to high and medium risk communities; -public workshops and meetings with coastal communities; -publication and distribution of the Tsunami Smart guide; and -the development of a fax server and interactive voice response notification system. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada will provide additional funding of up to 500,000 and 350,000, respectively, to support the TIP project. In addition, equipment purchase for emergency response may also be eligible for funding through the Provinces Joint Emergency Preparedness Program JEPP and UBCM emergency planning grants.