PRRD increases emergency management services funding under amendment bylaw 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has increased the requisition budget for the Emergency and Disaster Management Service in a bylaw amendment.

During the November 21st regular board meeting, the PRRD Board of Directors reviewed and approved an amendment to the bylaw for the Emergency and Disaster Management Service. The amendment increased the function’s maximum requisition budget from $250,000 to $625,000.

The increase in the function’s budget allows for two new employment opportunities; Emergency Management Officer and Emergency Program Coordinator, both of which were accounted for within the Regional Emergency Planning function. 

“Both positions are vital to delivering the legislated requirements for ongoing Indigenous engagement and collaborative emergency planning within the PRRD, as dictated by the BC modernized emergency management legislation,” A staff report stated. 

In 2024, a portion of the staffing costs was covered by the BC Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Indigenous Engagement Requirements funding program, and a verbal confirmation has been received that financial assistance will be provided in 2025 as well. 

The exact amount and timing of funding has yet to be determined, thus mandating a function budget increase of more than 70 per cent.

During the meeting, the amendment bylaw was approved and given its first three readings, bringing it into legal effect.