Preparing Newfoundland’s southwest coast for the next storm
News release
The Government of Canada’s Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund is helping communities build resilience for future climate-related weather events
February 22, 2024 · Burnt Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Climate comfort centres play an essential role during extreme weather events, offering residents a place to shelter, charge devices, use the internet, check in with family and friends, and take care of business matters.
These centres provide a space where people can feel safe, supported, and connected during times of upheaval and uncertainty, and they can help communities recover more quickly once the crisis has passed.
Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, Minister responsible for ACOA and MP for Long Range Mountains, announced non-repayable contributions totalling almost $1.5 million for seven climate comfort centre projects in western and southwestern Newfoundland and Labrador. The support is being delivered through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund.
This investment supports various planning, rebuilding, upgrading and outfitting activities to improve existing comfort centres in the Towns of Channel-Port aux Basques, Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou, Burnt Islands, Burgeo, Ramea and Harbour Authority of Magaree-Fox Roost.
The contributions will help ensure that the comfort centres are equipped, accessible and ready to serve residents of all abilities during extreme weather events.
For more information about these projects, please see the backgrounder.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting communities and businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Fiona, as well as helping them prepare for the possibility of future climate-related disasters.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we must pull together. Comfort centres play an essential role in our safety and security during times of need. It is vital for these facilities to have the capacity, resources and tools to support and shelter our families and neighbours when they need it most. And we also know that after the crisis, these centres will help communities get back on their feet. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, the Government of Canada is helping communities in Fiona-affected areas strengthen their climate comfort centres, building resilience and improving planning for future climate-related disasters.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
Quick facts
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Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund announced October 4, 2022, the federal government is providing up to $300 million over two years, starting in 2022, to support local communities and businesses affected by the storm and to help long-term recovery efforts.
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ACOA is accepting applications to support communities, businesses and organizations in Atlantic Canada that were directly affected by Hurricane Fiona but are not eligible or are partly eligible for other sources of financial support.
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The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund is a time-limited fund that will end on March 31, 2024. Priority consideration was given to applications for climate comfort centre projects received by November 17, 2023.
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Associated links
- Government of Canada helps climate comfort centres in communities impacted by Hurricane Fiona prepare for future disaster
- Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund
- Town of Channel-Port aux Basques
- Town of Burnt Islands
- Town of Burgeo
- Town of Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou
- Town of Ramea
- Harbour Authority of Margaree-Fox Roost
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
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