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By Corey Fischer
Local Communities Get Emergency Funding

Local Communities Get Emergency Funding

Jan 29, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Vernon and Enderby are among six BC communities that will get a share of 3 million dollars in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support emergency social services.

Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the money will be used for ESS training, capacity building and equipment.

“Six more communities are going to be better supported in their ability to provide a lifeline for those who have been evacuated in an emergency,” says Farnworth. “That means more help for individuals and families in need and more support for the many volunteers who provide this lifeline when people need it most.”

City of Vernon spokesperson Nick Nilsen says they will get about $23,000.

“The City of Vernon is thankful to receive a grant of $23,000 from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund which will be used to help train our emergency support services (ESS) staff and volunteers. The ESS staff and volunteers are a vital element of our emergency response program and are responsible for setting up reception centers, welcoming evacuees, and arranging lodging and food during significant events, so this funding will go a long way to further enhancing our ability to respond and recover from events,” says Nilsen.

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Port Coquitlam, Esquimalt, Port McNeill and Tsawwassen First Nation were also approved for funding.

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities released the funding for Intake 2 of the Emergency Social Services component of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund that was announced at the UBCM convention in September 2017.

The funding is part of a $33.5-million plan designed to help communities prepare for, and respond to, disasters.

by Corey Fischer

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