Emergency funds: operations centres in region receive boost
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Regional emergency operations centres are receiving a cash infusion from the Province as the fire and flood season heads into full swing in the West Kootenay.
Administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) for projects that strengthen the resilience of local governments in responding to and preparing for natural disasters and climate change, the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund will be dropping $66,774 for three projects.
The City of Nelson will receive $30,000 for the continuation of its emergency operations centre (EOC) enhancement project, developing an emergency operations centre geographic information system (GIS) for situational awareness, emergency operations and public information.
The Regional District of Central Kootenay will get a similar amount for an EOC alternate site, while the City of Castlegar will receive $6,774 for EOC essentials training.
Nearly $3 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will go to local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. to assist in purchasing and installing equipment and supplies to maintain or improve emergency operations centres, as well as training and exercises to increase capacity.
Emergency operations centres are part of emergency response, where representatives come together to co-ordinate actions and resources, and support people responding on the ground.
CEPF funding will go to 78 projects benefiting more than 100 communities throughout B.C. In February 2023, the Province committed a further $180 million to CEPF, bringing the total investment to $369 million since it was established in 2017.
