Government of British Columbia invests $1.4 million in emergency preparedness

July 18, 2024, British Columbia — The government of British Columbia is providing approximately $1.4 million to 29 communities across the province for emergency preparedness projects through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEFP).

The projects include, but are not limited to, the purchase of supplies for emergency operations centres (EOC) and training exercises to support staff and increase efficiency.

The Big White fire department is receiving funds to purchase a new generator and essential support equipment for their EOC, which is the central emergency-response hub within the regional district of Kootenay-Boundary.

The province is also establishing a new 24/7 EOC in the Oliver town hall, providing the necessary infrastructure and supplies while allocating additional funds to facilitate emergency-management training and an annual exercise with a facilitator and support for partners, including the Osoyoos Indian Band.

“As a community in one of Canada’s only deserts and in a region that experiences emergencies annually, this important provincial investment from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund will support the Town of Oliver with continuing to develop a standalone, year-round emergency operations centre to support our residents during disasters and emergencies,” said Martin Johansen, mayor of Oliver, in a press release.

The province has invested $369 million into the CEFP since it was established in 2017, with $16.3 million going towards the support of local EOCs.