The Province of BC is providing nearly $2.5 million to strengthen emergency support services, helping communities throughout B.C. better support people displaced by emergencies.
“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said the Hon. Kelly Greene, BC's Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This funding helps communities prepare to deliver that support, from recruiting and training volunteers to equipment and supplies for reception centres and group lodging, helping ensure assistance is ready when people need it most.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the Province is supporting 54 projects for 88 communities under the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Equipment and Training stream. This funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training and the purchase of ESS equipment and supplies. This can include equipment and supplies such as IT equipment, hygiene kits, bedding, pillows and storage bins.
Supporting people when emergencies happen
Emergency support services provide essential help to people evacuated from their homes, including registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. Local governments and First Nations deliver these services with the help of trained volunteers.
“Emergency support services rely on people and practical readiness,” said Cori Ramsay: President, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. "This funding helps communities strengthen both, by supporting trained volunteers and ensuring the right equipment is in place before emergencies happen. Local governments and First Nations know their communities best, and this program gives them the tools to be better prepared to support people when they need it most.”
Quick Facts:
CEPF is a suite of funding programs that helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.
The Province has committed $369 million into all the streams of CEPF since it was established in 2017.
Including this intake, almost $350 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,700 projects throughout the province.
In addition to ESS, the CEPF includes funding for emergency operations centres, volunteer and composite fire departments, public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations in disaster risk reduction.
The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the Province.
Ed Coleman - Mayor for the District of Wells stated:
“This funding for Building Capacity in Emergency Support Services will allow Wells to significantly enhance residents access to Emergency Support Services in times of need. By helping develop mobile-service delivery and strengthening the ability to recruit and equip volunteers, we will strengthen our community's resilience and be able to better serve our residents in their time of need.”
Cariboo-Chilcotin Local Governments or Indigenous Governments receiving CEPF Funding:
1) District of Wells -- $29,329 for Reception centre trailer, training and volunteer recruitment
2) City of Williams Lake -- $28,457 for Reception centre supplies and volunteer recognition and development opportunity
3) Cariboo Regional District -- $23,738 for Volunteer retention and development opportunity
4) Tsilhqot'in National Government -- $30,000 for cultural care kits and ESS IT equipment
