BC NDP MLAs say funding will equip the Capital Region for emergencies

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SAANICH – BC NDP MLAs Nina Krieger, Diana Gibson, and Lana Popham say the Capital Region will be better prepared for emergencies with provincial funding for emergency operations centres.

“People living in the CRD know that we face unique risks, and that we need to be prepared for many different scenarios,” said Nina Krieger, MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake. “This funding will help local governments and First Nations across the Capital Region to upgrade their emergency operations, equipment, training, and preparedness so we all can be kept safe when it’s most needed.”

In the Capital Region, the following First Nations and local governments are receiving funding:

  • Capital Regional District, 2025 CRD Emergency Operations Centre: Training and Exercises, $40,000.00
  • Central Saanich, Emergency Operations Centre Training and Equipment, $40,000.00
  • Oak Bay, Oak Bay EOC Training & Equipment (Includes: storage, vests, white boards), $39,800.00
  • Saanich, Emergency Operations Centre: Audio-Visual Communications Equipment, $40,000.00
  • Songhees Nation, Songhees Nation EOC Equipment, Storage, Generator and Training, $39,935.00
  • Victoria, EOC Modernization Update 2025: Equipment and Earthquake Exercise, $39,055.00

“People in Oak Bay are great at preparing for emergencies, with earthquake kits, grab-and-go bags, and preparedness plans, but it’s also important for our local governments to be prepared,” said Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “Everyone in Oak Bay and the surrounding region will benefit from the training and equipment upgrades this funding supports”

The Province is providing nearly $7 million to support 139 emergency operation centre projects, benefiting 183 communities. These funds will purchase supplies and fund training and exercises to support staff and boost response capacity.

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

“The Saanich Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in B.C., but also a place where people are keenly aware of the unique impacts disaster and emergencies can have on our community,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “Getting information out to people is key to mitigating risks and making people safer, and the equipment Saanich will be able to purchase with this funding will help do this.”

Since 2017, the Province has invested $369 million into the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. Including this intake, more than $342 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2500 projects. Since 2017, approximately $23 million has been invested to support local emergency operations centres. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025EMCR0026-000555