SAANICH – BC NDP MLAs Nina Krieger and Lana Popham say communities in the Capital Region are receiving funding that will help to better support people who need to evacuate from their homes during emergencies.
“Disasters can be unpredictable, so investing into preparedness means investing in our safety,” said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “That’s why we are giving new funding to Victoria, Saanich, and the CRD to ensure they have what they need to keep people safe.”
The following local communities are receiving funding:
- Capital Regional District- $40,000 for training, exercises, reception centre supplies and recruitment
- Saanich – $40,000 for recruitment and training
- Victoria – $35,063 for technology upgrades, recruitment and training
The BC New Democrat government is providing over $5 million for 113 local projects. The funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training, and the purchase of equipment.
“Emergency support services are there for people in their most difficult times,” says Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “This funding will ensure we’re prepared if disaster strikes, when we need support most.”
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is a suite of funding programs designed to help local governments and First Nations better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate. These programs include public notification and evacuation-route planning, emergency operations centre equipment and training, volunteer and composite fire department equipment and training, and Indigenous cultural safety and humility training.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Province has committed $369 million into CEPF. To date, approximately $315 million has been provided for approximately 2,400 projects across all CEPF streams. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0010-000312