Province Steps up with funding for Ground Search and Rescue across BC

Those volunteer groups that come to look and offer assistance for British Columbians when they need them the most,  are celebrating a weekend announcement from the provincial government.

That as close to 19 million dollars in one time funding will soon be heading the way of the 80 Ground Search and Rescue Organizations across the province.

The announcement came Saturday from Mike Farnworth the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for BC  and provides an opportunity for the SAR groups across the province to develop a sustainable funding program.

“In discussions with BCSARA, I’ve heard the ground search and rescue community’s strong concerns about the need for both an immediate infusion of funding and a clearer path toward long-term sustainable funding. That’s why we’re providing a record-level of funding as an immediate top-up of what B.C.’s GSAR groups are already receiving, as well as establishing a joint committee to move more quickly toward developing a sustainable funding model.”

The funding represents the largest provincial GSAR investment in the province's history and is in

addition to the funding that the province provides on a yearly basis, which last  year totalled 9 million dollars.

The annual funding is put to use for operational costs, training and equipment, as well as insurance and liability for the 80 organizations that serve the province.

There was no breakdown provided by the province as to how much each individual GSAR organization will receive as part of the one time funding boost.

Details on Saturday's announcement can be explored further here.

The Prince Rupert Ground Search Rescue celebrated the announcement through their Facebook page, which is a good resource for the community to follow to see the scope of the work that the group takes on in the region.

The work of the Prince Rupert organization has clearly resonated in the community, with a strong turn out found last week for a fundraising effort at the Crest Hotel, with the Prince Rupert Ground SAR looking to raise enough money to put towards a new response vehicle to serve as a command post for their call outs across the region.

You can find more notes on their work as part of our Emergency Responders archive pages here.

For a look at more community notes on the North Coast see our archive page here.

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