British Columbians should take precautions this weekend, as Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the first hot stretch of the summer for most regions in B.C.

People in Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast communities will benefit from upgrades to not-for-profit services and programs with additional funding from B.C.’s Community Gaming Grants program.

People who are vulnerable and and have low incomes will be supported with more than $440,000 in government funding for local poverty-reduction projects on Vancouver Island and in coastal communities.

More than 50 First Nations and local governments are receiving their share of more than $1.9 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to help improve emergency support services (ESS) in their communities.

Fourteen First Nations and local governments are receiving provincial funding to develop emergency evacuation route plans, which will better prepare these communities for emergencies.

Families and more pre-kindergarten children will soon have their early learning opportunities enhanced as the Just B4 early childhood education program expands from one to six districts this school year.

People throughout British Columbia will continue to benefit from access to low- and no-cost counselling services with the extension of government funding to local community counselling agencies.

B.C. communities continue to benefit from a provincial program that provides incentives to people replacing wood stoves with cleaner heating options.

Families throughout the province are encouraged to recognize this year’s Family Literacy Week by reading books, playing games, attending online and outdoor events, and connecting with loved ones virtually.