First Nations, communities benefit from Emergency Preparedness Fund
More than 50 First Nations and local governments are receiving their share of more than $1.9 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to help improve emergency support services (ESS) in their communities.
Thompson Okanagan communities include:
Ashcroft – establishing ESS services: Total approved funding: $11,128.51
Cook’s Ferry Indian Band – kits, lodging and security equipment: Total approved funding: $25,000
Kamloops – training and capacity-building: Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan Indian Band – capacity-building project: Total approved funding: $25,000
Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District, with Keremeos, Princeton, Summerland, Osoyoos – regional – modernization and training: Total approved funding: $89,750
Oliver – ESS: Total approved funding: $18,625
Penticton – enhancing capacity based on five months of deployment in 2021: Total approved funding: $17,000
Simpcw First Nation – Simpcw evacuation support unit: Total approved funding: $25,000
Tk’emlups te Secwepemc – training and equipment: Total approved funding: $22,686.04
Vernon – reception centre equipment 2022: Total approved funding: $25,000
Funding will support communities building capacity to provide ESS through equipment purchases and volunteer recruitment, retention and training. ESS funding is part of the $189-million Community Emergency Preparedness Fund administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and supports programs that strengthen the resilience of First Nations communities, local governments and residents.
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of programs divided into several funding streams. The Province is introducing three new streams this year to help First Nations and local governments better prepare for emergencies and the changing climate: public notification and evacuation planning; extreme-heat risk mapping, assessment and planning; and disaster risk reduction/climate adaptation, which includes flood-risk reduction.
Intakes will also reopen for volunteer and composite fire departments; Indigenous cultural safety and cultural-humility training; emergency support services; and emergency operations centres.