GREATER VICTORIA – New Democrat MLA Mitzi Dean says funding for Emergency Operations Centres will help Greater Victoria prepare for emergency events.

“Keeping our families, neighbours, and communities safe is a top priority and in this era of climate crisis, investing in emergency preparedness is more important than ever,” said Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin. “Communications, physical resources, and training are all important parts of emergency response and this funding will help protect people in Greater Victoria.”

Metchosin is receiving $24,300 for Emergency Operations Centre communications and facility resources. In addition, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, and Tseycum First Nations are receiving $100,000 for Emergency Operations Centre set-up. The Capital Regional District is receiving $25,000 for Electoral Area Emergency Operation Centre functional exercises.

This funding is part of $1.8 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding going to 54 communities across BC. These investments will support local governments and First Nations to purchase equipment and supplies to maintain Emergency Operations Centres and enhance local training exercises.

This funding is provided through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) for programs to enhance the resiliency of communities in areas including flood mitigation, evacuation route planning, fire department equipment and training and well as Indigenous cultural safety & cultural humility training.

Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021PSSG0046-001329