The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund is helping communities build resilience for future climate-related weather events
Pictou County – Climate comfort centres play an essential role during extreme weather events, offering residents a place to shelter, charge devices, use the internet, and check in with family and friends. By providing a space where people can feel safe, supported, and connected during times of upheaval and uncertainty, climate comfort centres help communities recover more quickly once the crisis has passed.
34 facilities will see improvements to emergency safety
Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced total non-repayable investments of $1,122,197 to the Pictou County Wellness Centre, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, Summer Street Industries Society, and the Municipality of the County of Pictou through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF). This funding will help the organizations upgrade a total of 34 climate comfort centres.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. For more information about the funding recipients and projects, please see the backgrounder.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting communities and businesses impacted by Hurricane Fiona, and helping them prepare for possible climate-related disasters.
“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we need to pull together. Community spaces play an essential role during times of crisis. It is vital that these facilities have the capacity, resources, and tools to support and shelter folks in case of any emergency – and to help them get back to business as usual and resume daily life once storms have passed. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, your federal government is helping communities strengthen their facililites in Fiona-affected areas, building resilience and improving planning for future climate-related disasters.“ – Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“Emergency preparedness isn’t just a plan; it’s a lifeline – especially in rural areas where emergency services are shared between many communities and can be limited. Climate comfort centres like those receiving support today can be the difference between uncertainty and security for community members. Readiness is the key to safeguarding our communities in times of extreme weather crisis, and this is an important step.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova