The Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities has launched the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), a 10-year national program that will invest $2 billion in projects that help communities better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, seismic events, and droughts.
DMAF will support large-scale infrastructure projects with a minimum cost of $20 million like diversion channels, wetland restorations, wildfire barriers, and setback levees.
As promised in the federal Budget, the funds will go towards projects that will safeguard public health and safety, protect people’s homes, make sure access to essential services is not interrupted, and help communities protect their residents’ quality of life.
Provinces and territories; municipal and regional governments; Canadian public or not-for-profit post-secondary institutions that partner with a Canadian municipality; and band councils and First Nation, Inuit or Métis governments are eligible for the funds.
Applicants wishing to be considered for funding under the program will have until July 31, 2018, to submit an Expression of Interest to Infrastructure Canada.
In a government press release, the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Amarjeet Sohi said, “Now more than ever, communities across Canada need to take measures to reduce the potential impacts of natural disasters related to climate change. Here in Alberta and across the country, we are experiencing unprecedented extreme weather and feeling its great personal, social and economic effects. Investing today to reduce these impacts will save future recovery costs and prevent critical infrastructure failures while helping Canada transition to a more resilient sustainable economy. This program is about coming together to protect our most precious assets: our people, homes, businesses and the communities we are proud to call home.”
The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund will support large-scale disaster mitigation projects with a minimum eligible cost of $20 million that help ensure continuous essential services and reduce the potential impacts of severe weather and other natural hazards.
The full eligibility list and other program details can be found on the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund webpage.
