BC NDP MLA Lisa Beare says funding will help equip the Fraser Valley for emergencies

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Summary

·        Local communities are receiving a total of $82,700 for emergency operations centres

·       The funding will support equipment and training for staff and volunteers to better respond to emergencies like wildfires

             

MAPLE RIDGE – BC New Democrat MLA Lisa Beare says the Fraser Valley will be better prepared for emergencies with provincial funding for emergency operations centres.

“Ensuring that our community is best prepared when disaster strikes is my priority, especially as we see an increase in fires, floods, and other emergencies affecting our region,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Katzie Nation, and the Fraser Valley Regional District will all benefit from funding to help improve equipment, training, and supplies.”

In the Fraser Valley, the following local governments will receive funding:

  • Fraser Valley Regional District – $30,000 for EOC and ICS training and kit materials to build staff capacity and readiness
  • Maple Ridge – $26,600 for supplies, essentials training and exercise design and facilitation to build EOC capability
  • Pitt Meadows – $26,100 for section equipment, training and exercise to build comprehensive EOC capacity

The Province is providing approximately $3.5 million for 110 projects to support local emergency operations centres through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

Emergency operations centres (EOC) coordinate people, actions and resources, and support first responders on the ground. They also ensure people receive timely information, emergency support services and other vital assistance throughout an emergency.

Through this fund, since 2017, more than $25 million has supported more than 820 projects throughout the province. The Province has committed $369 million through all CEPF streams since it was established in 2017. To date, more than $350 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,800 CEPF projects throughout the province.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026EMCR0031-000853