Eighty-four First Nations and BC Local Governments will receive provincial emergency-preparedness funding to help improve emergency operations centres (EOCs) and better equip them to respond to emergencies affecting the people in their communities.
With this $3.2 million in Community Emergency Preparedness funding, communities will be able to build or upgrade EOCs, purchase equipment, and enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training. The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations communities, local governments and residents.
“Every community has different needs and challenges when it comes to disaster preparedness,” said the Hon. Mike Farnworth, BC's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “That’s why the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a great way for us to help First Nations and local authorities – because they know what projects and initiatives will best help them improve their emergency preparedness and response.”
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance community resilience. Throughout the year, First Nations and local governments will have the opportunity to submit applications for other streams, including public notification and evacuation planning, and Indigenous cultural safety training and cultural humility training.
“Emergency operations centres are an essential part of emergency response, where representatives come together to co-ordinate actions and resources, and to support people responding on the ground,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “We’re excited that, through this round of funding, even more First Nations and BC Local Governments will upgrade their EOCs, increasing their community resiliency and ability to react quickly when an emergency happens.”
Budget 2022 provides $2.1 billion to support communities to build back better from recent disasters, and to strengthen defenses to make sure people and communities across B.C. are protected from disasters. From this funding, a historic investment of $110 million, in addition to previous contributions, is going to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, for a total of $189 million.
“We at the Town of Smithers are grateful for the financial support provided by the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund managed by UBCM,” said Gladys Atrill, Mayor of Smithers. "It enables us to work in partnership with our neighbour, the Village of Telkwa, to ensure we are better prepared together in the event of an emergency. Our EOC is a priority, and this important grant funding has supported staff training and the acquisition of critical equipment to support weather monitoring and communications, including backup systems and laptop computers.”
Since 2017, communities throughout B.C. have been able to apply for funding through this program for local priority projects that are designed to help mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.
Learn More:
For more information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit the UBCM website: https://www.ubcm.ca/funding-programs/local-government-program-services/community-emergency-preparedness-fund
A full list of those receiving funding can be viewed here
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