As part of the public safety funding announced in the 2016 provincial budget, the Province of B.C. is committing $1.1 million in funding toward a shoreline protection and restoration project in Comox.

This $1.7 million project includes a $600,000 contribution from the town of Comox. These restorations will reduce flooding and the on-going foreshore erosion adjacent to the Lazo Road shoreline that, if left unrepaired, will adversely impact the road and utility lines that feed approximately 1,500 customers. More than half of the foreshore in this area has moderate to heavy erosion, mainly due to the wave action of significant winter storm events.

The combined funding will protect critical utility delivery systems for residents and businesses, ensure access and linkages to other communities for local residents, facilitate the construction of a dedicated, safe, multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, and protect rare coastal sand dunes and an archeologically sensitive First Nations site.

This project will also provide dedicated beach access points along the shoreline, including wheelchair-accessible beach access. This aligns with the Province’s commitment to decrease barriers, increase accessibility and make B.C. the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities by 2024.

The provincial investment is part of over $49 million being provided to flood mitigation projects in communities across British Columbia.

In the 2016 budget, the B.C. Government announced $65-million in initiatives to help keep communities safe, including $16 million for public safety preparedness initiatives and $49 million for community hazard mitigation projects, such as upgrades to dikes and flood protection.

Leading up to the 2016 budget, B.C. has invested significantly in flood mitigation and prevention. Since 2008, the Province has invested in 156 projects worth $145 million total ($62 million provided provincially, $46 million federally and $37 million in funding from the local authority). 

Quotes

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto –

“The Province of B.C. is committed to strengthening our communities and protecting British Columbians. By doing so, we are delivering greater safety and significant economic impacts for this province. We applaud communities like Comox, which are investing in mitigation work and are happy to work collaboratively with them to help limit risk our citizens could be exposed to.”

Mayor of Comox, Paul Ives –

“This partnership with the Province is proof of how we can improve the quality of life of the citizens of the Town and all of the Comox Valley and these grant funds will enable the Town of Comox to advance a much needed infrastructure project in a cost effective manner and simultaneously protect the marine ecosystem.”

MLA for Comox Valley, Don McRae –

“I am very pleased that our government is able to work collaboratively with the Town of Comox to improve the safety and well-being of our citizens. We will continue to improve on delivering public safety and disaster preparedness and seek more ways to enrich the day-to-day lives of British Columbians.”

Quick Facts:

• Lazo Road winds along the eastern edge of the Comox Peninsula. It connects the area with downtown Comox, a Canadian Force Base (DND), Area B Comox Valley Regional District and the Comox Valley Airport. It is a narrow, flat, well-used road that passes through archaeological middens, protected Garry Oak and rare sand dune ecological areas.
• Lazo Road is also a popular cycling and walking route and a popular recreation destination in the summer as it also provides a boat launching facility.
• In November 2006, a portion of Lazo Road that runs along the waterfront was incorporated into the Town of Comox. After incorporation, residents of the area urged the town to protect the road and BC Hydro utility lines from further bank erosion, due to extreme weather events. Residents also requested that the road be widened for safer travel by cyclists and pedestrians.

Learn more:

BC Government flood prevention and planning: http://bit.ly/1OkJDa7

Accessibility 2024: http://bit.ly/23KdmDS