Evacuation centre in Vernon during the White Rock Lake wildfire (Vernon Matters file photo)

By Liam Verster

Emergency Operation Investment

Vernon, RDNO, OKIB receive funding to support emergency operations

Jul 8, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Local communities are among the dozens of beneficiaries from a provincial investment to bolster Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs).

The City of Vernon will receive $25,000 to be used for EOC training and equipment.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is getting $25,000 fo an emergency power generator.

Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is receiving $24,984 for EOC improvements.

“New Democrats are committed to keeping communities across our riding safe, and this funding is a significant and important step towards that,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu.

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“By improving training, communication, and equipment, residents across Vernon-Monashee can be sure that their community has the capacity to meet safety standards during emergencies.”

The Community Emergency Preparedness funding, which totals $3.2-million spread out over 84 First Nations and local governments, are intended to help build or upgrade EOCs, purchace equipment, and enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training.

“Every community has different needs and challenges when it comes to disaster preparedness,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

“That’s why the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a great way for us to help First Nations and local authorities – because they know what projects and initiatives will best help them improve their emergency preparedness and response.”

The Community Emergency Preparedness fund is a series of funding streams intended to enhance community resilience in the event of natural disasters such as wildfires, floods and landslides.

“Emergency operations centres are an essential part of emergency response, where representatives come together to co-ordinate actions and resources, and to support people responding on the ground,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness.

“We’re excited that, through this round of funding, even more First Nations and local governments will upgrade their EOCs, increasing their community resiliency and ability to react quickly when an emergency happens.”

Other fund recipients include:

Central Okanagan Regional District – $24,959 for a large-format printer and equipment
Merritt – $24,959.01 for an Emergency Operations Centre
Okanaga-Similkameen Regional District, Summerland, Keremeos, Oliver, regional – $99,130 for joint EOC training and technology
Penticton – $25,000 for staff training
Penticton Indian Band – $25,000 for EOC improvements
Revelstoke – $25,00 for EOC communications and training

by Liam Verster

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