$70K in provincial ESS funding for local communites

VICTORIA, B.C. – Over 50 First Nations and local governments in B.C. are receiving portions of more than $1.9 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to help improve emergency support services (ESS) in the community.

The funding will support communities through equipment purchases and volunteer recruitment and training.

Included in this funding is over $22,000, which will go towards Dawson Creek’s Reception Centre set-up for evacuated people.

Over $23,000 is going to Hudson’s Hope’s ESS project, and just under $25,000 is going to develop ESS for West Moberly First Nations.

This funding is part of the $189 million Community Emergency Preparedness Fund administered through the Union of BC Municipalities and supports programs that help First Nations communities, local governments and residents.

The program is divided into several funding streams. The Province is introducing three new streams to help First Nations and local governments better prepare for emergencies and the changing climate.

In the budget for 2022, there is $2.1 billion to support communities to build back from recent disasters and strengthen defences.

Since 2017, communities in B.C. have been able to apply for funding through this program for local priority projects that help mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies.

For more information on this fund, visit the UBCM website.