DUNCAN – Cowichan Valley MLA Debra Toporowski says that provincial funding distributed to volunteer and composite fire departments across the province, including throughout the Cowichan Valley, will support fire department capacity and operations, making people in the community safer and better protected against fire and local emergencies.

“Communities across the Cowichan Valley are kept safe and protected by dedicated volunteer and composite fire departments,” said Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “This funding will allow our local departments to expand their training and equipment stores so they are ready to do the best job they can when they are called upon.”

In the Cowichan Valley, the following fire departments are receiving funding:

• Cowichan Bay Improvement District – $29,954 for firefighting equipment and wildlife preparedness training
• Duncan – $30,000 for training support
• Penelakut Tribe – $30,000 for structure fire training

This funding, from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, is investing nearly $4 million into volunteer and composite fire departments across the province, and since 2017 has provided over $29 million through this fund, supporting over 500 projects.

Numerous communities across B.C. are served solely or primarily by these volunteer and composite departments, who help keep people safe in emergencies. This round of funding supports 86 fire department projects that will make local communities safer and better prepared.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/33546