POWELL RIVER – New Democrat MLA Nicholas Simons says annual funding from the provincial government will help ensure that Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) groups and their volunteers are there when people need help in the backcountry.

“People love to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Sunshine Coast and its good to know that if you find yourself in a tough spot while exploring someone will be there to help,” said Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “While its important for everyone to take precautions to be safe, with this funding local search and rescue organizations in Powell River and the Sunshine Coast will be there to help for years to come.”

Both Powell River Search and Rescue and Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue will receive its share of $6 million from the province through funding to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) with the average distribution amount being approximately $63,000 per group.

Funding will support lifesaving rescue equipment, essential training, protective equipment for volunteers and administration costs, such as insurance.

This is the second year of this annual funding agreement between the province and BCSARA, which is the only agreement of its kind in Canada.

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023EMCR0043-001088