Newsletter from MLA Steve Morissette
By MLA Steve Morissette
As we get further into summer, I know we’re all looking forward to more sunny days, times out on the water and seeing our loved ones. One of my favourite spots to unwind and relax at is Champion Lakes. I also enjoy summer as a chance to meet many of you in person at local events such as this weekend in Slocan celebrating it’s 125th Birthday
With the hotter and drier weather also comes increased risk of wildfire. In recent years, we have all seen how these fires can disrupt and threaten our lives, our homes, and our communities.
One easy way to help make B.C. safer during fire and drought season is by following local advice and rules, like fire bans and water conservation actions. Where you live, and wherever you are travelling to this season, check for local guidance around fire and water use.
At home, we encourage everyone use water responsibly. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to cut down on unnecessary water use, like watering lawns. This will help us conserve and protect our water stores for the season and use our water more sustainably to support people and our ecosystem.
To support you with emergency planning, the province has created a new tool, the Emergency Ready Planner, which will take you through each step required in to create emergency plans to make sure it they are ready when you need it. Find the tool at PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyReady. You can also prepare best by making sure you have emergency kits ready in case you need them. This includes creating grab-and-go bags for household members, including pets, building a home-based and car emergency kit, and making emergency plans.
While most people won’t need this help, when people are evacuated some people may need support with accommodation, food, clothing, and miscellaneous incidentals – the Emergency Support Services (ESS) program is here to help people needing these resources. People who may be at risk of evacuation can register for ESS online in case they need it, and get set up to receive eligible funds via e-transfer. You can also access support as an evacuee or with registering for ESS at the BC Evacuee Helpline, 1-800-387-4258.
If you are placed under evacuation alert, it’s most important to listen to local emergency officials for information on the situation as it unfolds, and to keep an eye on Emergency Info BC on their website or social media for up-to-date information on alert and evacuations. While we know it’s hard to leave your home, when it’s time to go, it’s time to go, and you can keep yourself and your community safest by following directions of local emergency officials.
I hope this information and these resources help you to keep safe and healthy this summer and enjoy this time knowing you and your family are best prepared and supported to deal with any emergency that comes our way.
Huge shout out to our local Southeast Fire Centre (SEFC) for taking my staff and I on a tour this morning. SEFC is full of experts with local knowledge and years of experience ensuring not only our constituents are taken care of but also are part of an integral network that looks after our province and beyond.
Always good to be prepared! We’ve had a great summer so far here in Kootenay – Monashee, but things can change quickly so it’s good to ensure you and your household is ready to leave if need be
Check out BC Wildfire Service YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BCWildfireService
Building stronger tourism economy in the Kootenays
People and businesses in the Kootenays can expect to benefit from more visitors and customers in their communities with provincial support for a new initiative designed to help more people enjoy the Nakusp Hot Springs. Nakusp Hot Springs is more than a destination, it’s a place that supports local jobs, brings people together and helps the community thrive. By helping the Village of Nakusp plan for future growth, we’re investing in the people who live and work here, while ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy everything the region has to offer.
Making more in B.C. by growing value-added sector
British Columbia is taking action to secure more fibre for value-added businesses, creating local jobs by making more in B.C by expanding the BC Timber Sales Value-Added Manufacturing Program and creating a new dedicated category that will secure fibre for custom cutters and processors. Our government is continuing to take real action to get local logs processed in local communities, creating local jobs. By expanding the value-added manufacturing program to include custom cutters and processors, we’re supplying fibre to the businesses who are ready to create world-class wood products; the same products that are going to help B.C. compete globally and win.
Creating the first dedicated site for ash dispersal on B.C. waterways
A first-of-its-kind ash-scattering site is coming to Delta, giving families and community members a dedicated place to honour their loved ones in accordance with their cultural, spiritual and funeral traditions. For years, people south of the Fraser, including many members of the South Asian community, have had to travel abroad or transport a loved one’s ashes overseas to carry out important funeral rites. This much-needed culturally respectful space will provide families with a meaningful place close to home where they can gather, reflect and honour their loved ones according to their traditions.
Dates: June 22 to August 22
Who: The Ministry of Forests
What: A collaborative forest landscape plan between First Nations, the Province, industry, and communities to determine a path forward for forest stewardship
Where: Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area (TSA)
Why: To raise awareness of the project, understand forest values of respondents, and determine future involvement
How: Online, in-person
Public input will help inform:
- How people use the forests in the plan area
- How the full range of interconnected forest values should inform planning
- Which issues or concerns should guide future decisions
Dates: July 15 to August 15
Who: The Lower Columbia Affordable Housing Society (LCAHS)
What: Short survey to better understand local rental housing needs, affordability challenges, preferred housing types, and future housing priorities.
Where: City of Trail, City of Rossland, Village Of Warfield, Village of Montrose, Village of Fruitvale, RDKB Areas A and B, and the surrounding communities.
Why: Help inform future attainable rental housing initiatives and planning.
How: Online, in-person paper pick up at Trail and Rossland City Halls
Public input will help inform: While LCAHS itself is focused on attainable rental housing, this survey is intended to capture a broader range of housing needs and preferences to help inform community housing planning across the Lower Columbia. The information collected will support future housing initiatives, funding applications, and development planning.
Stay informed and safe this season. Be ready. It’s always the right time to stay up to date with the latest emergency information in BC:
- EmergencyInfoBC.cafor emergency updates, active evacuation orders and alerts
- BCWildfire.caor the BC Wildfire app for wildfire information and fire ban information
- DriveBC.cafor road conditions and closures
- PreparedBC.cato help you prepare for emergencies
- ESS.gov.bc.cafor evacuation and emergency support services
- Weather.gc.cafor weather alerts
Follow local governments and health authority for more resources and updates.
f you have any questions or concerns about a provincial issue or need assistance with a provincial body, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. My office can be reached online at Steve.Morissette.MLA@leg.bc.ca or at (250) 304-2783.
Helpful resources:
- Visit the BC Benefits Connector at gov.bc.ca/BCBenefitsConnector to find benefits and savings for things like energy bills, transportation, education and training, and health care.
- Find mental health and substance-use supports: Helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca
