Coldstream Municipal Hall (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

EOC Shortfalls

Coldstream looking to move Emergency Operations Centre, seeking grant to fund the change

Feb 20, 2026 | 12:02 PM

The District of Coldstream is looking for some outside funding so it can move its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

The municipality’s EOC has been set up at the council chambers in the past, but the Noble Canyon wildfire incident near Lavington showed the space was no longer suitable for that purpose.

A Coldstream staff report said EOC activations may force council to move their meetings, impact daily operations, and cause confusion within the public.

The report added the council chambers “are typically designed for formal meetings and public gatherings, not for the dynamic and often confidential work required during emergency response.”

Staff recommended moving the EOC to the new Public Works building, though noted that would come with a cost of approximately $23,784 to purchase and set up new computers and furniture.

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Staff recommended Coldstream Council endorse an application to the Union of B.C. Municipalities’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training funding stream for a grant of up to $30,000 to offset those costs. 

The matter will be brought forward for discussion at the regular meeting Monday, Feb. 23.

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