Province helps communities with emergency operation centre supports

Local projects will be getting funding to support local governments and First Nations to respond to emergencies and support evacuations.

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, the Province is providing nearly $7 million to go towards 139 operation centre projects, supporting 183 communities.

They said the money would go to purchasing supplies and fund training and exercises to support staff and boost response capacity.

In the Smithers area, the funding will support:

• Bulkley-Nechako Regional District – Facilitates EOC exercises and evacuation workshops to rehearse response co-ordination and safe evacuation procedures. Amount: $36,863
• Houston – This project provides EOC training through the emergency-management program. Amount: $40,000
• Kitimat – Communication equipment and training enhancements. Amount: $21,549
• Smithers – Joint training operations and communications equipment. Amount: $39,900
• Stewart – This project provides communications equipment updates. Amount: $10,116
• Takla Nation – This project provides training and supplies IT equipment, communications equipment and operational equipment. Amount: $39,774
• Telkwa – This project provides EOC training and supplies IT equipment, communications equipment and office supplies. Amount: $39,994
• Witset First Nation – This project provides EOC training, communications and operational equipment. Amount: $40,000

“This funding for training, radios and a backup generator will significantly enhance Witset First Nation’s ability to operate our emergency operations centre effectively. With strong support from chief and council, our newly established emergency-management department is building critical capacity.” said Chris Turner, Witset First Nation emergency program co-ordinator.

“This investment not only improves our local readiness but also strengthens co-ordination with regional partners like the Town of Smithers and the regional district. Together, we’re advancing a more resilient emergency response across Bulkley Valley.”

The Province has invested $369 million into the fund since it was established in 2017, supporting over 2,500 projects.

More detailed information can be found here.