Communities in the Kootenays are receiving funding that will help to better support people who need to evacuate from their homes during emergencies.
"Volunteers in the Kootenays continually show up for our communities, and I am glad our government is supporting these organizations through investments in training and equipment," said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. "As summer approaches, it's more important than ever to help make sure our communities are prepared in case of emergencies."
The following communities are receiving funding in the Kootenays:
- Regional District of Central Kootenay - Equipment and training for emergency support services volunteers - $40,000
- New Denver - Emergency support services IT equipment and training - $40,000
- Castlegar - Emergency support services team IT upgrades and reception centre modernization - $8,964
- Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) - Emergency support services technology update $40,000
"Having up-to-date technology can make a big difference when responding to emergencies, especially in some of our more remote areas here in B.C.," said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. "This funding for the RDKB and the City of Castlegar will help modernize local emergency support services and keep people safer."
The provincial government is providing over $5 million for 113 local projects. The funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training, and the purchase of equipment.
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs designed to help local governments and First Nations better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate. These programs include public notification and evacuation-route planning, emergency operations centre equipment and training, volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training, and Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.
Since its establishment in 2017, the province has committed $369 million into CEPF. To date, approximately $315 million has been provided for approximately 2,400 projects across all CEPF streams. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.
