FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. - Communities across Northeast B.C. are receiving provincial funding aimed at strengthening their ability to respond to emergencies ranging from wildfires to severe weather events.
The B.C. government announced approximately $3.5 million will be distributed to 110 emergency operations centre (EOC) projects across the province through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
The funding is intended to help local governments and First Nations improve emergency response capacity through training, equipment purchases and emergency exercises.
Among the recipients in Northeast B.C., the City of Fort St. John will receive $30,000 for emergency operations centre furniture, training and exercises designed to strengthen emergency management capabilities.
The District of Taylor was approved for $14,700 to purchase rapid damage assessment kits and support training and tabletop exercises aimed at improving emergency preparedness.
Several First Nations and communities in the region are also receiving support.
The Doig River First Nation will receive $17,750 for a tabletop exercise and emergency communications training, while the McLeod Lake Indian Band is receiving $30,000 for office supplies and furniture to support emergency operations.
Farther north, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality has been awarded $12,239 to upgrade its mobile emergency operations centre trailer with new furniture and equipment.
The municipality says the improvements will enhance its ability to respond to emergencies throughout the region.
In announcing the funding, Kelly Greene, B.C.’s Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, said emergency operations centres play a critical role in coordinating responses during disasters.
“Emergency operations centres are the backbone of a co-ordinated response when an emergency happens,” Greene said. “This funding will help local governments and First Nations with the equipment, training and exercises they need to run their emergency operations centres effectively.”
Emergency operations centres are used to coordinate resources, support first responders and provide information and services to residents during emergencies such as wildfires, floods and other disasters.
The province says the latest funding will support projects in 138 communities throughout British Columbia.
According to the province, more than $25 million has supported more than 820 emergency operations centre projects since 2017 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
Overall, the province says more than $350 million has been provided for over 2,800 emergency preparedness projects through various funding streams since the program was established.