The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund is helping communities build resilience for future climate-related weather events
Richmond 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.
Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, announced $300,000 in funding through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) to improve 10 climate comfort centres across Richmond County. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
Upgrades will include installing heat pumps, improving bathroom and kitchen facilities, and upgrading accessibility to the comfort centres. This project will better prepare each centre for use during a power outage, ensuring all community members can access the essential services they need to stay warm and safe. This 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 must pull together. Existing climate comfort centres play an essential role in our safety and security during times of crisis. It is vital that these facilities have the capacity, resources and tools to support and shelter our citizens when they need it most. And we also know that after the crisis, these centres help communities and businesses return to economic health and activity. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is able to help communities strengthen their climate comfort centres 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