SRD Receives Funding For Emergency Support Services

Local governments and First Nations throughout the province will receive funding to improve emergency support services for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies in British Columbia.

“Emergency support services can be a lifeline for people who have to leave their homes during disasters,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“By investing in training and equipment, we help to ensure people receive the support they need quickly and efficiently.”

Some of that cash is heading to the Strathcona Regional District.

The Province is providing more than $5 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, through the ESS equipment and training stream, for 113 projects.

The SRD’s share will help boost training and response capacity in the District, through emergency exercises and ESS volunteer training.

SRD Board Chair Mark Baker says the support and compassionate care provided to displaced individuals depends greatly on the commitment of volunteers “who selflessly dedicate their time to SRD’s emergency support services program.”

The funding, he says, will enhance both recognition and training for emergency support teams across eight communities, “strengthening the heart of the region’s emergency response.”

Local community projects include:

• boosting training and response capacity in the Strathcona Regional District, through emergency exercises and ESS volunteer training;
• enhancing Quatsino First Nation’s emergency-support capacity through volunteer training, digital registration tools, portable generators and comfort kits, as well as volunteer engagement activities to strengthen and sustain local response teams;
• strengthening emergency response in Fort St. James and Nak’azdli Whut’en by developing a new ESS program for Nak’azdli and building capacity within Fort St. James’s existing program, with a focus on co-ordinated training and mutual support during emergencies;
• enhancing Pouce Coupe’s emergency preparedness with a fully equipped, self-sufficient mobile ESS trailer to support more effective on-site emergency response with power, communication tools and essential supplies;
• improving group lodging supplies, office equipment and registration systems for Kwikwetlem First Nation to enhance emergency shelter capacity and support staff and volunteers in the southwestern B.C.

The 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.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.