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By Liam Verster
Emergency Preparedness Grant

Vernon seeks funding for emergency services

Jan 19, 2024 | 3:00 PM

The City of Vernon will be applying for financial aid to boost its emergency support services.

A report will be presented to city council at the regular meeting Monday, Jan. 22, to authorize a grant application to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training 2024 Program.

The city will seek a grant of $30,000 to be used to build capacity through purchasing equipment and running training opportunities.

The application stated there were several initiatives that could be funded through the grant.

  • $11,200 for eight evacuee registration and assistance laptops
  • $6,360 for two sessions of in-person workplace violence prevention and de-escalation training
  • $2,600 for a double-sided plastic card printer
  • $1,920 for two expansion display units for the Take-A-Number ticket machine
  • $1,550 for a printer plus a carry case and two larger capacity WiFi enabled printers
  • $1,525 for a refrigerator
  • $1,500 for a portable non-plumbed sink
  • $1,080 for six workstation stools
  • $1,035 for 36 storage bins
  • $500 for a case of assorted maintenance and tech tools
  • $400 for two mobile six-shelf chrome shelving units
  • $330 for three sets of two, two-way radios with chargers
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The staff report to council stated these items would be able to enhance emergency support service operations, and would also help with attracting and retaining ESS volunteers.

Additionally, the report noted the funding stream may not be available next year, making it potentially the last opportunity to access funds to support local ESS operations.

The report recommends that council authorize staff apply for the grant, along with authorizing staff to assume overall grant management should the application be successful.

by Liam Verster
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