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  • New program helps B.C. farmers prepare for extreme weather - BC Gov

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    B.C. farmers and ranchers can reduce their risks from extreme weather through a new pilot program that will help improve farms’ climate-change preparedness and resilience to wildfires, flooding and extreme heat.

    “Over the past year, we’ve seen the extreme impacts of climate-related weather events on our farming communities, and we are taking action to support farmers and ranchers with climate-change adaptation tools and projects,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “Agriculture and being able to feed British Columbians is intricately tied to climate change, and by taking increased steps to focus on how we can best prepare for and mitigate future climate impacts, we will be able to better protect the livelihoods of our food producers while strengthening our food security and food economy.”

    The Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program will support as much as $1.5 million in projects this year to help farmers conduct risk assessments and make infrastructure upgrades on their farms.

    “Agricultural producers in British Columbia know how important it is to act now, so we are better prepared for extreme weather and climate change,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “B.C. is recognized globally for the high-quality food we produce. By working together to reduce these risks, we’re building a more resilient agricultural sector to maintain and enhance that success. This program is an important part of our Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, which outlines actions across sectors to help people, communities, and businesses prepare for climate impacts in the future.”

    Examples of projects eligible for funding include:

    • FireSmart Critical Infrastructure assessments;
    • farm building retrofits for wildfire preparedness;
    • improved on-farm fuel storage and well protection for flood preparedness;
    • reconfiguration of high-value feed storage for flood preparedness;
    • farm building retrofits to improve cooling during extreme heat;
    • enhanced watering and shade to mitigate crop and livestock heat stress; and
    • infrastructure improvements to support tree and berry canopy cooling as well as shade and heat protection for harvested fruit, berry or vegetable crops.

    “It goes without saying that we have experienced some extreme weather in the past, and we will continue to see it in the future,” said Kevin Boon, general manager, BC Cattlemen's Association. “The best opportunity we have is to be prepared. An investment in preparedness and sound planning on the landscape is crucial to be able to continue to produce high-quality, affordable food for British Columbia's consumers and steward the land responsibly while we do so.”

    The program is open to farm and ranch businesses throughout B.C., with applications initially being accepted from July 25 to Aug. 15, 2022. It is anticipated that the program will continue in 2023 and 2024, with the potential for adjustments based on experiences in the pilot year. Funding for the 2022 pilot intake will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible agriculture businesses.

    The program is part of B.C.'s Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy, the Province's plan to help people, communities and businesses work together to be better prepared for the impacts of climate change. The strategy includes a range of actions to build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone and is supported by more than $500 million in provincial investments.

    Quick Facts:

    • Eligible applicants can access as much as $35,000 each in cost-shared funding for the first intake of the Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program.
    • The Wildfire Preparedness Stream will be offered in partnership with B.C. Wildfire Services and FireSmart B.C.

    Learn More:

    To find out more about the Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture funding opportunities, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/extreme-weather-preparedness

    Original release

  • Neighbourhood Commercial Frontage Program

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    Interested in improving the look and feel of your business’s exterior?

    The Central Saanich Neighbourhood Commercial Frontage Program will provide grant funding to property and business owners to improve retail and commercial building frontage. A primary purpose of the program is to assist in the efforts of the District to align to neighbourhood design plan efforts and improve the frontage of commercial properties for the betterment of business viability and service to the public.

    The program will provide up to $5,000 in grant funding to property and business owners to improve retail and commercial building frontage in commercial cores. The owner must match the contribution; applications will be assessed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    The Neighbourhood Commercial Frontage Program is a special, short-term grant program that offers up to $5,000 to local businesses seeking to improve the appearance of a commercial or industrial property frontage in the District of Central Saanich.

    Read the Neighbourhood Commercial Frontage Program Guidelines

    The District’s Planning Department is responsible for receiving, reviewing, and awarding Commercial Frontage Program grant applications. Contact Planning at:

    1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 2A9
    Tel: 250.544.4209
    Email:

    Program Applications will be evaluated on their ability to meet the Program purpose and design guidelines. Applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis beginning March 15, 2022. Application deadline is June 30, 2022. Development, Building, Sign or any other associated District permits are required where applicable.

    Submit the following form with appropriate permit applications (i.e. development permit, sign permit, building permit, etc. and digital photos of the building exterior from the street).

    All projects must be completed by December 31, 2022 to be eligible.

  • Shop Central Saanich

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    During Central Saanich's Economic Recovery Roundtable and Survey with local businesses, staff and Council heard that while many businesses are managing, many are also very concerned about the impact the pandemic is having. The District also heard about the impacts of the decline in tourism and worries about how a second wave could impact restaurants and those with storefronts.

    Without a Central Saanich business association, the District is pleased to be able to launch a Shop Central Saanich campaign to build awareness of the businesses in the municipality. Over the coming weeks, a new Central Saanich Business Directory will grow, the presence of the Shop Central Saanich message will be felt in the community, and businesses' stories will be shared with the community to demonstrate the unique ways local businesses are integrated with our community's vibrancy.