NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Adam Walker and Sheila Malcolmson say funding for Emergency Operations Centres will help Nanaimo and Snaw-Naw-As First Nation prepare for emergency events.

“This funding for Snaw-Naw-As First Nation to develop an Emergency Operations Centre is great news for our region,” said Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum. “Investments in emergency infrastructure now means we will be better equipped to respond and react during a crisis later.”

The Nanaimo Regional District is receiving $18,200 for training and exercise enhancement. In addition, the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation is receiving $24,316.69 for development of an Emergency Operations Centre.

“People on the front lines of our emergency response efforts work tirelessly in often dangerous situations to protect our communities and save lives. Improving emergency response is about investing in the these people,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo. “This funding for training and exercise enhancement in the Nanaimo Regional District will benefit our frontline workers, their families, and our entire community.”

This funding is part of $1.8 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding going to 54 communities across BC. These investments will support local governments and First Nations to purchase equipment and supplies to maintain Emergency Operations Centres and enhance local training exercises.

This funding is provided through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) for programs to enhance the resiliency of communities in areas including flood mitigation, evacuation route planning, fire department equipment and training and well as Indigenous cultural safety & cultural humility training.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0046-001329