New Democrat MLA Doug Routley says funding for emergency operations centres will help the Cowichan Valley prepare for emergency events.
“Improving emergency communications across many of our smaller communities will go a long way towards building a stronger emergency response here in the Cowichan Valley,” said Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This funding for local governments and First Nation governments will help ensure they are well-equipped to protect people, businesses, and infrastructure in times of crisis.”
The Cowichan Valley Regional District, Cowichan Tribes, Duncan, North Cowichan, Malahat First Nation, Lake Cowichan, Stz’uminus First Nation and Ladysmith are receiving $199,925 for regional emergency communications enhancements.
The funding is part of $1.8 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding going to 54 communities across B.C. These investments will support local governments and First Nations to purchase equipment and supplies to maintain emergency operations centres and enhance local training exercises.
The funding is provided through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for programs to enhance the resiliency of communities in areas including flood mitigation, evacuation route planning, fire department equipment and training and well as Indigenous cultural safety and cultural humility training.