COMOX VALLEY, B.C. – Understanding nature to better protect water sources is important.
And it is this role that several local governments in the Comox Valley and the K’ómoks First Nation want to understand better.
As such, they have launched a $367, 500 multi-year initiative with the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative. According to a release from the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), this is to help better understand, measure and manage natural drinking water sources.
The local governments taking part in the initiative include the CVRD, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland and K’ómoks First Nation.
According to the release, the initiative is based on the idea that nature is crucial in providing core services within communities, much like reliable infrastructures like roads, pipes, sewers, and transit.
The project is supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program ($137, 500), the Province of British Columbia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing ($125, 000), and the Smart Prosperity Institute ($12, 500). The local governments will also contribute a total of $105, 000 over the project period.
The funds will cover guidance material, workshops, technical support, economic analysis, modelling and the development of strategies and methods for long-term management of natural assets in the watershed.
The project will be delivered through the Comox Valley Water Committee.
