REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: September 26, 2022 Report No. P&R-22-013
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation and Blair McDonald, Director of Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) grant application submission End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council direct staff to submit a grant application for $134,700 to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to prepare a community risk assessment, to engage the community on a Green Shores demonstration project and to support components of a Green Shores demonstration site at Esquimalt Gorge Park.
That Council authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application, as outlined in Staff Report No. P&R-22-013.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Climate Action Plan
Climate Adaptation Plan
Emergency Program Act, RSBC 1996, c.111
Emergency Management Bylaw, 2015, No. 2853
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Enhance opportunities for Parks and Recreation
Advance the work of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
Develop and implement strategies that reduce impact on the environment consistent with our Climate Action charter goals
Work with Esquimalt community groups to advance economic, cultural, social and environmental opportunities.
BACKGROUND:
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies. There are 3 categories that the Township of Esquimalt intends to apply for funding for within the grant:
Category 1: Apply for $30,000 to prepare a community risk assessment which will include analysis of current hazards and risks within the community.
Category 2: Apply for $31,200 to design and deliver a green shores education and training program with specific engagement and collaboration with Indigenous leaders and the Esquimalt community.
Category 3: Apply for $73,500 to complete a shoreline demonstration restoration project at Esquimalt Gorge Park (Appendix A). This project will provide practical strategies using nature-based design criteria to address risk from erosion and flooding and for the promotion of healthy shoreline environments. This project will complete shoreline restoration that demonstrates the Green Shores design standard in an area that is highly visible to the public and has high habitat value.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The CEPF is an excellent opportunity to access funding that can be used to enhance the resiliency of the Township of Esquimalt and our residents in response to and recovery from emergencies and climate change adaptation.
The Green Shores project will lead to an increased understanding on the feasibility of using demonstration projects, community engagement and education/training to increase climate adaptation activities while at the same time decreasing the risk and financial impacts of climate change adaptation in the Township of Esquimalt.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
The CEPF can fund 100% of the project costs. Operational funding may be required for ongoing annual maintenance and upkeep of the infrastructure and native plant material. These costs are estimated at approximately $2,000 annually and would be included in the 2024 budget process.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
The project will work with communities new to the concepts of nature-based approaches to climate resilience to increase the uptake of emerging approaches to foreshore design and management to reduce flood risk while increasing economic and ecological value through demonstration of nature-based approaches to addressing climate risk, including sea level rise.
In addition to the shoreline demonstration site at Esquimalt Gorge Park, the project will provide education and training on practical strategies that use nature-based, green infrastructure for reducing flood risk due to climate change while promoting healthy shoreline ecosystems on high value habitat in the Township of Esquimalt.
5. Communication & Engagement
The proposed project was reviewed and endorsed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on June 23, 2022. Further, staff have engaged on two occasions with local community members, including youth and small businesses at the Esquimalt Farmers Market. Further engagement is planned with local residents, Indigenous Peoples and stewardship groups.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council direct staff to submit a grant application for $134,700 to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to prepare a community risk assessment, to engage the community on a Green Shores demonstration project and to support components of a Green Shores demonstration site at Esquimalt Gorge Park; and
That Council authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application, as outlined in Staff Report No. P&R-22-013.
2. That Council request additional information from staff.
3. That Council provide alternate direction to staff.