PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says that funding announced today will help local fire departments to protect more people and structures in the community.

“When emergencies arise, our local fire departments are often the first to respond,” said Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “This funding for local fire departments will make sure they have the equipment and training they need to continue to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.”

The following local fire departments are receiving funding:

• Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (Regional fire department partners: Beaver Creek, Sproat Lake, and Bamfield) – $85,354 for equipment and training for the fire departments to enhance sustainability and readiness for fire protection in their communities
• Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department – $30,000 for Emergency Breathing Safety System (EBSS) equipment and training
• Comox Valley Regional District (Regional fire department partners: Denman Island, Hornby Island, Fanny Bay, Union Bay, Oyster River, Merville, and Mt. Washington) – $208,750 for regional fire department needs
• Cumberland – $30,000 for phase two for exterior fire ground training
• Deep Bay Improvement District – $30,000 for equipment for a new engine
• Ships Point Improvement District – $30,000 for training facility and equipment upgrades

• Ucluelet – $28,964.08 for fire rescue turnout gear

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $6.2 million for 122 local projects, benefiting more than 200 volunteer and composite fire departments across B.C. Composite fire departments are those that have a mix of staff and volunteers.

Since 2017, more than $17 million has been provided to volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.