The Province is providing nearly $2.5 million to strengthen emergency support services, helping communities throughout B.C. better support people displaced by emergencies.
“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
“This funding helps communities prepare to deliver that support, from recruiting and training volunteers to equipment and supplies for reception centres and group lodging, helping ensure assistance is ready when people need it most.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the Province is supporting 54 projects for 88 communities under the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Equipment and Training stream. This funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training and the purchase of ESS equipment and supplies. This can include equipment and supplies such as IT equipment, hygiene kits, bedding, pillows and storage bins.
Supporting people when emergencies happen
Emergency support services provide essential help to people evacuated from their homes, including registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. Local governments and First Nations deliver these services with the help of trained volunteers.
“Emergency support services rely on people and practical readiness,” said Cori Ramsay, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. “This funding helps communities strengthen both by supporting trained volunteers and ensuring the right equipment is in place before emergencies happen. Local governments and First Nations know their communities best, and this program gives them the tools to be better prepared to support people when they need it most.”
Projects funded in 2026 include funding for Golden:
Supporting Emergency Support Services volunteer capacity through participation in volunteer-development opportunities and regional training exercises, along with IT upgrades, branded materials and initiatives to enhance volunteer recruitment, retention and development.
Golden will receive $29,056 for volunteer development, regional training exercises and IT upgrades.
With this funding, communities throughout B.C. will be better equipped to help people when emergencies happen.
Karen Cathcart, Electoral Area A director, Columbia Shuswap Regional District; Golden and Area Emergency Management Program stated regarding the funding, “This funding will strengthen Golden and Area A’s emergency preparedness by supporting equipment upgrades, training and volunteer recruitment for our Emergency Support Services program.
These investments will help make sure our team is well equipped, well trained and ready to provide timely, coordinated support to residents during emergencies, when it matters most.”
