Funding for emergency preparedness spread out around Northwest and Haida Gwaii

Fifty four British Columbia communities received some welcome news and additional funding towards emergency preparedness last week, with provincial officials announcing over 1.8 million dollars in emergency preparedness funding.

The latest release of funding comes as many communities face increased challenges this summer owing to the growing risk of wildfires in the province.

Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth took note of those concerning situations as part of the Friday roll out for the funding allocation.

“This funding for emergency operations centres is crucial, and it will give communities a boost in their ability to respond. Though the approval of funding for these projects has been going on for some time, recent extreme wildfire events demonstrate just how vital emergency operations centres are in responding to emergencies.”

Also taking note of the funding last week was North Coast MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness Jennifer Rice, who through the statement, observed as to the importance of the Emergency Operations Centres.

“Emergency operations centres are the hub of response and recovery in an emergency event. This is how responders and experts are able to come together day to day and work together to get a community through the worst times and find a path forward. This funding is going to help them improve those operations so they can respond to whatever emergencies come their way.”

 The Province provides the funding for the program, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and divided into seven streams: 

Areas where communities can access the funds include:

Flood risk assessment 
Flood mapping and flood mitigation planning
Emergency support services
Emergency operations centres and training
Structural flood mitigation
Evacuation route planning
Indigenous cultural safety and cultural humility training
Volunteer and composite fire departments equipment and training

When it comes to the funding released Friday for emergency  preparation, the following communities around the Northwest and Haida Gwaii were listed as recipients.

Bulkley Nechako Regional District -- $25,000
EOC crisis communication equipment acquisition

Fraser Lake -- $25,000
Dedicated EOC and activation training

Smithers, Telkwa -- $50,000
EOC Resiliency Project

Stewart -- $25,000
Emergency Preparedness

Old Massett Village Council -- $17,092.48
Equipment for EOC trailer

Queen Charlotte -- $25,00
Generator for Queen Charlotte EOC

The full announcement from the province can be reviewed here.

More notes on the provincial political scene can be explored from our archive page here.