• B.C. economy shows resilience in first quarterly report

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-14 19:30:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Economy, Finance, Taxation, Infrastructure, Emergency]

  British Columbia's First Quarterly Report for 2026-2027 projects a provincial deficit of $13.8 billion—$450 million higher than Budget 2026—driven by an intense wildfire season with fire-management expenditures forecast at $614 million higher than budget and $458 million in higher refundable tax credits. Total provincial revenue is forecast at $86.3 billion, bolstered by corporate and personal income taxes, while real GDP growth for 2026 is forecast at 0.9% amid U.S. tariffs and global volatility. Taxpayer-supported capital spending is maintained at $12.9 billion for projects including the Quw’utsun Valley Hospital, the new St. Paul’s Hospital, and Highway 1 Colquitz River Bridges widening, alongside eight newly approved major capital projects.

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• Building wildfire resilience throughout B.C.

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-13 20:00:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Emergency, Climate, Environment, Infrastructure, Indigenous]

  The Government of British Columbia announced an investment of $15 million under Budget 2026 for the 2027 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports (FCFS) program, with applications opening October 1, 2026. Delivered in partnership with the Union of B.C. Municipalities and the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society, the program funds local wildfire-risk-reduction projects, education, home assessments, and mitigation planning. Since 2018, approximately $190 million has been invested through the initiative, supporting more than 300 communities, including 158 First Nations and 155 local governments.

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• Enabling more communities to dial 911 in an emergency

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-11 16:15:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Emergency, Public Safety, Indigenous, Infrastructure]

  The Government of British Columbia is making up to $5 million available through Next Generation 911 (NG911) funding to help eligible rural, remote, and Indigenous communities transition from local 10-digit emergency numbers to standard three-digit 911 calling. Administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM), this funding is part of a broader $60-million provincial package announced in 2023 to support the emergency services transition. The grants will cover one-time technical, contractual, and coordination work, including public education, mapping, signage, and fire department enablement. This initiative builds on regional connectivity expansions to ensure reliable access to police, fire, and ambulance services across regions like Haida Gwaii.

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• Supporting B.C. tech strengthens general aviation emergency response

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-10 16:15:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Economy, Technology, Energy, Infrastructure, Emergency]

  Abbotsford-based Fast Air will receive up to $1 million through the B.C. Integrated Marketplace to test a mobile battery and solar power system developed by Richmond-based Holinova at the Abbotsford International Airport. The project replaces traditional diesel-powered backup generators with clean battery storage to power ground equipment and aircraft charging needs during grid disruptions. This initiative is the second project launched under the Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed and forms part of the provincial Look West economic strategy to support aerospace and technology sectors while ensuring uninterrupted general aviation emergency responses, such as wildfire and medical transport.

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• Strengthening public notifications, evacuation-route plans

  Source: British Columbia - Government News
  Date: 2026-09-09 15:30:00.0
  Tags: [British Columbia, Emergency, Climate, Indigenous, Infrastructure]

  The Government of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, has approved more than $1.3 million for 29 projects across 36 First Nations and local governments via the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The funding supports the development and updating of evacuation-route plans, route mapping, public-notification plans, and tabletop validation exercises to enhance disaster readiness. Notable recipients include the Neskonlith Indian Band, the District of Kitimat, the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George (partnering with the Village of McBride, Village of Valemount, District of Mackenzie, and Simpcw First Nation), and the Town of Creston, among 25 other regional districts and First Nations. Since 2017, the CEPF has allocated approximately $7.8 million across 212 projects for this specific funding stream.

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