Multiple Northeast B.C. communities receive funding to support emergency centres

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The District of Taylor, Doig River First Nation, and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) will receive provincial funding to support the work of local Emergency Operations Centres (EOC).

Doig River First Nation was approved for $30,000 in funding for EOC training and equipment. This includes upgrading computers, new information officer and liaison officer kits, and a one-day tabletop training session at the First Nation. 

The District of Taylor will receive $8,800 for EOC equipment and training, and the NRRM will receive $29,900 for EOC capacity building and training. 

According to a release from B.C.’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, more than 100 local governments and First Nations will receive nearly $3 million through the funding.

Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowwin Ma says the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund makes the projects possible.

“We know significant costs are associated with emergency planning, mitigation, response, and recovery for communities – including at local emergency operations centres,” said Ma.

“Emergency operations centres are the hub of response and recovery during an emergency, staffed by our hard-working partners in local governments and First Nations.”

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities to support projects that strengthen local governments and First Nations in responding to and preparing for natural disasters and climate change.