Three local governments will receive new provincial emergency preparedness grants that will help local governments act to keep more people safer during emergencies.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District ($125,000), Cowichan Tribes ($25,000) and Stz’uminus First Nation ($25,000) will share more than $3.2 million in funding delivered to 84 First Nations and local governments to enhance, develop or upgrade their emergency operations centres (EOC), buy new equipment, or enhance capacity.
“Here in the Cowichan Valley, people have seen firsthand how important it is to be prepared for extreme weather emergencies, whether flooding or forest fires,” Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley said. “Local governments and First Nations are a big part of the response, and this investment is part of our commitment to ensure communities are prepared.”
With $125,000 in funding the CVRD (Lake Cowichan, Duncan, Ladysmith, and North Cowichan) will build a mobile EOC trailer to support emergency responders onsite to enhance communication, interoperability, decision making and situational awareness.
Cowichan Tribes and Stz’uminus First Nation will use their $25,000 infusions for strengthening EOC capacity and development.
“Every community has different needs and challenges when it comes to disaster preparedness,” said Mike Farnworth, 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.”