NDP MLAs say funding will help fire departments keep people safe in Oceanside communities
NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Adam Walker and Sheila Malcolmson say that new funding for equipment and training will help local volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments to continue keeping Oceanside communities safe during fires and other emergencies.
“Investing in our communities’ ability to respond to natural disasters and climate change is essential to keep people and communities safe,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “That’s why this funding is so important to provide immediate support for local fire departments to purchase critical upgrades to personal safety and firefighting equipment that will help them respond to emergencies.”
The following fire departments are receiving funding in the Oceanside region:
- Cranberry Improvement District – $30,000 for structural protection units
- Lantzville – $27,797.46 for a structural firefighter thermal imaging camera
- Mountain Fire Protection District – $30,000 for replacement PPE for the East Wellington Fire Department
- North Cedar Improvement District – $30,000 for engine apparatus equipment upgrades
- Parksville – $30,000 for BullEx fire training screens
- Qualicum Beach – $90,000 for a regional digital fire training system
“People in Nanaimo depend on fire departments and fire crews,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “We are funding equipment upgrades to help them keep our community safe.”
The funding is part of over $6.3 million that is being distributed to 114 local governments, First Nations, and volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments around the province.
Since 2017, First Nations and local governments have been approved for more than $111 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for more than 1,300 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0010-000200