Question: The Shuswap was seriously impacted by flooding last spring. In 2004, the provincial government shifted the responsibility for flood hazard protection and management to local governments.
In light of what happened here, should the responsibility for flood protection be returned to the province?
Tom Birch - BC Conservative
All insurance is based on averaging risk over a large sample.
Flood protection is no different. For a community to manage it alone doesn’t work because most communities won’t flood but those that do will be overwhelmed by the cost.
This should be managed at a provincial level so that the risk is averaged and the costs affordable.
Chris George - BC Greens
Flooding in the Shuswap is a fact of life that will only get worse as climate change adds to the frequency and severity of these events.
The province has a responsibility to look after forests, public roads and ultimately the responsibility for streams and the flooding that comes with the terrain we have in our riding.
Steve Gunner - BC NDP
I believe that the province has abandoned its responsibility for flood protection and has unreasonably downloaded this significant cost to local governments.
There are a number of aspects that must be considered in order to prevent and manage floods in occupied areas. Factors to consider include transportation corridors, fish habitat, and logged areas with all of the attendant terrain alterations, and it is not reasonable to expect local governments to organize and manage what is so clearly the work of the provincial government. I am committed to advocating for the province to take responsibility for community flood protection.
Greg Kyllo - BC Liberals
Last spring’s flood in the Shuswap was tough for our community. This disaster damaged our infrastructure, weakened our economy, and dampened our spirits.
In my own community of Sicamous, 350 people were evacuated. I was humbled, however, to see the efforts of residents in rebuilding our community.
While the Shuswap must have a thorough emergency response plan in place, I will advocate for the continued assistance of the government’s Emergency Management program.
As your MLA, I will collaborate with the provincial government towards building a comprehensive plan for such crises in the future.