Council supports applications to UBCM’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John council says it supports staff preparing two grant applications for the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Emergency Preparedness Fund.

According to the UBCM website, the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding streams intended to enhance the resilience of local governments, First Nations and communities in responding to emergencies. The fund also aims to reduce risks from future disasters due to natural hazards and climate-related risks.

The city is applying for Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Emergency Social Services (ESS) funding.

“If successful, funds awarded through this grant would enhance the City of Fort St. John’s emergency operations and emergency social services capacity,” said Chief Administrative Officer Milo MacDonald in a January 22nd report to council.

If the applications are successful, the city plans to set up a turnkey EOC in the old RCMP detachment and purchase IT equipment and conduct training required to support the modernization of the online Evacuee Registration Assistance Tool (ERA).

The previous police detachment would be equipped and activation-ready at all times.

“The EOC set up would also be available for use to neighbouring jurisdictions or First Nations under threat or evacuation,” said the report.

The grant funding will also allow the city to equip two offices at the old detachment to be a turnkey ready facility to assist those in need.

The EOC grant application has a limit of $30,000, with the city contributing $18,540 from the 2024 budget. 

Up to $30,000 is also available through the ESS grant, with the city contributing $12,190 from the 2024 budget. 

Last March, the provincial government distributed money from the CEPF to Taylor, Hudson’s Hope, Pouce Coupe, and Dawson Creek.”

Under the Emergency Program Act, municipalities, First Nation communities and regional districts are responsible for responding to emergencies in their areas, including providing emergency support services.

At their January 22nd meeting, council supported the grant applications and authorized the CAO to sign the documents on behalf of the city.

The report to council on the grant applications can be viewed below: