BC NDP MLA Josie Osborne says funding will build capacity of local volunteer fire departments in Mid Island – Pacific Rim

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TOFINO – BC NDP MLA Josie Osborne says funding announced this week will strengthen the work of local volunteer and composite fire departments to help keep people safer in emergencies.

“From protective gear to critical training facilities, this funding is about ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need to protect themselves and our communities,” says Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island – Pacific Rim. “By supporting the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Cumberland, Coombs, and every corner of our region with modern equipment, training, and infrastructure, we are not only improving safety but also strengthening the resilience of our communities.”

The following local fire departments are receiving funding:

  • Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District – Protective equipment and training for the volunteer fire departments of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
    Amount: $109,226

  • Cherry Creek Improvement District – Personal protective equipment and operational equipment
    Amount: $40,000
  • Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) – CVRD Fire Departments: Equipment and training
    Amount: $275,200

  • Cumberland – Phase 3 training ground for Cumberland Fire Rescue
    Amount: $40,000

  • Deep Bay Improvement District – Equipment and training
    Amount: $40,000
  • Errington Volunteer Fire Department – Decontamination washing machine and dryer
    Amount: $38,452
  • Nanaimo Regional District – Equipment for regional training facility and training props
    Amount: $200,000
  • Ships Point Improvement District – Structure protection equipment
    Amount: $37,739
  • Tofino – Firefighter personal protective equipment and other firefighting equipment replacement
    Amount: $38,866

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $9 million for more than 130 projects throughout B.C., supporting over 230 fire departments that are fully or partially staffed by volunteers. This funding helps fire departments conduct and expand training, buy or replace equipment, and expand their capacity.

Since 2017, more than $26 million has been provided to volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/32096