B.C. government funds emergency operations across Abby-Mission, Chilliwack areas

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FRASER VALLEY — The B.C. government is investing nearly $7 million into emergency preparedness across the province– and more than $350,000 is going to communities within the Fraser Valley.

“Local emergency operations centres (EOC) are crucial in coordinating response efforts and safeguarding communities during emergencies,” said Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Kelly Greene. “That’s why we’re providing communities with tools and training for staff and volunteers at emergency operations centres.”

EOCs help with distributing information, shelter assistance and other vital resources during an emergency. Ten of the 139 projects receiving funding are located in the Fraser Valley region, with the breakdown as follows:

• Abbotsford – Training and hands-on mock event exercises. Amount: $39,587.
• Fraser Valley Regional District – Simulation exercise and EOC supplies. Amount: $40,000.
• Harrison Hot Springs – Section training and operational equipment. Amount: $34,835.
• Hope – Foundational training and operational equipment, including a generator. Amount: $40,000.
• Kent – Foundational training and functional exercise. Amount: $39,911.
• Mission – Functional exercise and operation supplies. Amount: $32,776.
• Seabird Island Band – Functional exercise, foundational training and operational supplies. Amount: $33,660.
• Skowkale First Nation – Foundational and section training. Amount: $30,173.
• Sqwá First Nation – IT and operational equipment. Amount: $40,000.
• Yakweakwioose First Nation – Foundational training and operational supplies. Amount: $26,245.

“The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) deeply appreciates the Province’s continued investment in emergency operations centres, which strengthens our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to extreme-weather events and other crises when they arise,” said Trish Mandewo, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities.

“This funding is a vital step in safeguarding our communities during emergencies by strengthening emergency operations centres’ capacity to direct the dedicated teams on the front lines.”

The Insurance Bureau reported that weather-related losses surpassed $8 billion in Canada last year. Roughly $300 million had been lost to the deep freeze in Western Canada and storms in Southern BC alone.