District of Taylor supports funding for Emergency Operation Centre

TAYLOR, B.C. — The District of Taylor voted to support an application for grant funding for its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) during Monday’s regular council meeting. 

According to a report to council from fire deputy chief Kristine Doerksen with Taylor Fire Rescue, the grant intends to help build resiliency in EOC operations by putting new and existing staff through appropriate training for emergency situations. 

The EOC grant is looking for a total of $9,750, with $6,500 of the funding coming from the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). 

The other $3,250 will be provided by the District of Taylor. 

According to the UBCM website, the 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.

According to Doerksen, the EOC is also looking to support staff with a 72-hour food and water supply. 

“This year, we’re also looking to receive funding for an emergency food and water supply to assist our staff in the event our EOC is stood up for an emergency,” Doerksen said.

Doerksen says she is grateful for the funding the EOC gets every year and hopes the grant will be approved. 

The district recently moved the primary EOC location from the Taylor Fire Hall at 10588, 100 Street, to the newly built public works building on Cherry Avenue East.

The full report can be viewed below: