BC NDP MLAs Anderson and Morissette say funding will strengthen emergency support services in the Kootenays

CASTLEGAR – BC NDP MLAs Brittny Anderson and Steve Morissette say that communities in the Kootenays are receiving funding that will help to better support people who need to evacuate from their homes during emergencies.

“Volunteers in the Kootenays continually show up for our communities, and I am glad our government is supporting these organizations through investments in training and equipment,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. “As summer approaches, it’s more important than ever to help make sure our communities are prepared in case of emergencies.”

The following local communities are receiving funding in the Kootenays:

• Central Kootenay Regional District – Equipment and training for ESS volunteers-
  Approved amount: $40,000
• New Denver – ESS IT equipment and training- Approved amount: $40,000
• Castlegar- ESS team IT upgrades and reception centre modernization-
  Approved amount: $8,964
• Regional District of Kootenay Boundary – ESS technology update- Approved amount: $40,000

“Having up-to-date technology can make a big difference when responding to emergencies, especially in some of our more remote areas here in B.C.,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “This funding for the RDKB and the city of Castlegar will help modernize local Emergency Support Services and keep people safer.”

The BC New Democrat government is providing over $5 million for 113 local projects. The funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training, and the purchase of equipment.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding programs designed to help local governments and First Nations better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate. These programs include public notification and evacuation-route planning, emergency operations centre equipment and training, volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training, and Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.

Since its establishment in 2017, the province has committed $369 million into CEPF. To date, approximately $315 million has been provided for approximately 2,400 projects across all CEPF streams. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.