Services and supports expanded to help evacuees in Chilliwack, Kent, Skwah First Nation and the FVRD
CHILLIWACK – New Democrat MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon are welcoming funding to improve local emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during natural disasters or other emergencies.
“Being evacuated from your home due to an emergency is incredibly stressful,” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “I’m glad that we are partnering with First Nations and local governments to make sure that services, support and a safe place to stay are available for people when disaster strikes.”
The following local governments and First Nations are receiving funding:
- The City of Chilliwack – ESS Modernization and Reception Center Supplies, $28,000
- District of Kent – KHESS Resources Revitalization, $29,972.84
- Skwah First Nation – Emergency Support Services (ESS) Development Project, $30,000
- Fraser Valley Regional District – ESS Group Lodging Security Implementation, $30,000
“Emergency support staff and volunteers have repeatedly gone above and beyond for British Columbians, and our government knows how important it is to provide the resources and equipment they need,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “This funding will help with a range of priorities, from advanced communication to essential supplies for those who have been evacuated in an emergency.”
In total, $2.2 million is being distributed to communities across the province. The funding will expand local capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention, training, and the purchase of supplies and equipment. This funding will also support the modernization of local ESS programs to move toward digital registration and reporting.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28461