Friday, January 31, 2025 – The District of Sooke is pleased to announce the successful approval of a $150,000 grant from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and supported by the Province of British Columbia. This funding will support the development of a Climate Adaptation and Natural Hazard Risk Assessment (CANHRA), a foundational step in strengthening emergency preparedness and climate resilience.
“The District of Sooke is committed to proactively planning for the future by identifying climate and natural hazard risks and ensuring that our community is prepared to respond and adapt,” says Ryland Bennett, Emergency Program Manager. “This grant allows us to take meaningful steps in assessing and addressing vulnerabilities while ensuring that our emergency management strategies align with best practices and legislative requirements.
This project will inform updates on mitigation, recovery, response, and business continuity plans while shaping emergency management training and exercises in our community.
Collaboration with T’Sou-ke First Nation will be an important part of this work, ensuring Indigenous knowledge and traditional practices are incorporated into emergency planning. By working together, the District aims to build a more resilient and inclusive framework that strengthens regional emergency preparedness.
Recent years have demonstrated the growing threat of climate-related emergencies, including record-breaking heatwaves, cold snaps, atmospheric rivers, rising wildfire activity, and prolonged drought conditions. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of risks and vulnerabilities. At the same time, Sooke is experiencing notable population growth and infrastructure expansion, making it essential that planning efforts account for emerging climate-related challenges. The CANHRA will provide a critical framework to guide future development, ensuring that new infrastructure and community initiatives are resilient and sustainable.
“This initiative is an important step forward for our community,” adds Bennett. “We are grateful for this funding and excited to begin the work of strengthening our emergency preparedness in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, and informed by the latest data and best practices.”
Read more from the Province here: