Communities across the Kootenays are receiving a share of nearly $2.5 million in provincial funding to strengthen emergency support services for people displaced by emergencies.
“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness.
“This funding helps communities prepare to deliver that support, from recruiting and training volunteers to equipment and supplies for reception centres and group lodging, helping ensure assistance is ready when people need it most.”
Several Kootenay-region projects are funded through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund’s emergency support services equipment and training stream, which is supporting 54 projects in 88 communities across B.C.
In the Central Kootenay Regional District, $220,195 will go toward training, volunteer recruitment and group lodging equipment. The funding supports Castlegar, Creston, Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, New Denver, Salmo, Silverton and Slocan.
The East Kootenay Regional District will receive $149,000 for IT equipment, training and volunteer recruitment and development opportunities, benefiting Cranbrook, Invermere, Kimberley and Golden.
The Kootenay Boundary Regional District has been approved for $30,000 for volunteer development opportunities, training exercises and reception centre and group lodging kits.
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it will receive $25,520 for group lodging supplies, personal protective equipment and training.
In Golden, funding will support emergency support services volunteer capacity through training exercises, IT upgrades and recruitment and retention initiatives.
Emergency support services provide essential help to people evacuated from their homes, including registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. These services are delivered by local governments and First Nations with the help of trained volunteers.
“Emergency support services rely on people and practical readiness,” said Cori Ramsay, president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
“This funding helps communities strengthen both, by supporting trained volunteers and ensuring the right equipment is in place before emergencies happen. Local governments and First Nations know their communities best, and this program gives them the tools to be better prepared to support people when they need it most.”
“This funding will strengthen Golden and Area A’s emergency preparedness by supporting equipment upgrades, training and volunteer recruitment for our emergency support services program,” said Karen Cathcart, Electoral Area A director for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
“These investments will help make sure our team is well equipped, well trained and ready to provide timely, co-ordinated support to residents during emergencies, when it matters most.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities in emergency support services, contact your local government or First Nation.
