Communities across the Kootenays are receiving provincial funding to strengthen their emergency operations centres (EOCs), helping local governments improve their ability to respond to wildfires, floods and other emergencies.
The B.C. government is providing approximately $3.5 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for 110 projects in 138 communities. Several Kootenay communities and regional districts are among the recipients.
“Emergency operations centres are the backbone of a co-ordinated response when an emergency happens,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“This funding will help local governments and First Nations with the equipment, training and exercises they need to run their emergency operations centres effectively, so communities throughout B.C. get the support they need as quickly as possible.”
Among the Kootenay recipients:
- Central Kootenay Regional District will receive $29,977 for communications equipment, furniture and training to support EOC operations.
- East Kootenay Regional District will receive $79,250 for radio infrastructure upgrades and IT equipment to modernize communications and strengthen regional emergency operations capacity in partnership with ʔaq̓am, Canal Flats, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs.
- Castlegar will receive $29,972 for EOC workstations, IT equipment and training to improve emergency co-ordination.
- Creston will receive $30,000 for IT equipment, communications gear, training and exercises to modernize emergency operations.
- Fernie will receive $25,910 for training and display equipment to enhance EOC operations.
- Golden will receive $26,136 for training and section supplies to equip EOC staff.
- Nelson will receive $30,000 for training, communications equipment and section supplies to strengthen EOC operations.
- Regional District of Kootenay Boundary was not listed among this round of funding recipients.
Emergency operations centres serve as command hubs where local governments and First Nations direct resources, co-ordinate with partner agencies and support first responders during emergencies. The funding can be used for equipment, training, emergency exercises and other improvements designed to strengthen local response capacity.
“Continued funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is critical to helping local governments and First Nations maintain strong emergency preparedness and response capacity,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
“These investments contribute to safer, more resilient communities throughout B.C.”
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund has supported more than 820 emergency operations centre projects since 2017. Overall, the province has committed $369 million through all CEPF funding streams, supporting more than 2,800 emergency preparedness projects in communities throughout British Columbia.
