B.C. funds 78 projects to support local emergency operations centres

B.C. has earmarked nearly $3 million for 78 projects that will support emergency operations centres for more than 100 local governments and First Nations in the province.

The projects, funded by the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), involve purchasing and installing equipment and supplies, as well training and exercises to increase capacity, the province said.

“We know significant costs are associated with emergency planning, mitigation, response and recovery for communities – including at local emergency operations centres. Emergency operations centres are the hub of response and recovery during an emergency, staffed by our hard-working partners in local governments and First Nations,” said Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

B.C. established the CEPF in 2017 and has approved around $116 million for nearly 1,500 projects to help First Nations and local governments mitigation and prepare for disasters.

“For a small district, like Metchosin, that relies heavily on volunteers, community emergency preparedness funding is critical to the strength and fortitude of our emergency operations,” Marie-Térèse Little, mayor of the District of Metchosin, said in a government news release. “The supplies purchased through CEPF will make significant improvements to our community resiliency, further support volunteer efforts and training, and promote a safer response for all involved.”

Trent Bossence, fire chief and emergency program co-ordinator with the District of Kitimat, said in the news release the funding will strengthen their community’s capacity and resiliency. “It enables us to develop robust emergency response plans, acquire essential resources, and enhance our readiness to handle a wide range of emergencies,” Bossence said.

The projects include support for:

• monitors, digital displays and other equipment to improve the quality of operations for the City of Kitimat emergency operations centre;
• comprehensive training program for Leq’á:mel First Nation emergency management team volunteers;
  upgrading computers, a new information officer and liaison officer kit, including a one-day tabletop training session at the Doig River First Nation;
• storage area (trailer or container) with shelving for emergency equipment and upgrades to technology, such as laptops, portable antennae, hand-held GPS and mapping capabilities for the District of Metchosin;
• developing an emergency operations centre geographic information system (GIS) for situational awareness, emergency operations and public information for the City of Nelson;
• new equipment, supplies and training for a new and permanent emergency operations centre in Armstrong; and
• emergency equipment and supplies, as well as equipment training to support emergency operations centre activities for the Samahquam Nation.

Find the full list of funded projects here.