Vernon – New Democrat MLA Harwinder Sandhu says that new provincial emergency preparedness funding will help improve emergency operation centres, and better equip local governments and First Nations in the Vernon-Monashee area to respond to emergencies and keep people safe.
Over $3.2 million in funding is being shared among 84 First Nations and local governments to help communities build or upgrade emergency operations centres (EOCs), purchase equipment, or enhance capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training.
“New Democrats are committed to keeping communities across our riding safe, and this funding is a significant and important step towards that,” said MLA Harwinder Sandhu. “By improving training, communication, and equipment, residents across Vernon-Monashee can be sure that their community has the capacity to meet safety standards during emergencies.”
The City of Vernon is receiving $25,000 in funding for the 2022 EOC Training and Equipment Project. This project will enable the community to provide equipment for the Emergency Operations Centre and provide training for 40 EOC personnel.
Other projects being funded in the region are listed below:
- North Okanagan Regional District – $25,000 for am EOC Emergency Power Generator.
- Okanagan Indian Band – $24,984.40 for equipment to increase the capacity of the EOC.
Budget 2022 provides $2.1 billion to support communities in building back better from recent disasters, and to strengthen defences to make sure people across B.C. are protected from future disasters.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PSSG0046-001073