North Okanagan governments have received funding to help strengthen emergency response and recovery efforts.
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is receiving $30,000 for its emergency operations centre and a training project in 2023. Meanwhile, the City of Armstrong is getting $30,000 for emergency operations centre equipment foundations and training.
“Our community shows up in a crisis, especially the emergency responders and volunteers, who have helped save so many lives here in the Okanagan by putting themselves at risk,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee “This funding will help make sure that in the face of disaster, our local Emergency Operations Centre is even more ready to respond and, our incredible emergency responders will get the resources they need to keep people safe.”
Nearly $3 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is going to over 100 local governments and First Nations across B.C. The funding will assist in purchasing and installing equipment and supplies to maintain or improve emergency operations centres.
Emergency operations centres are an essential part of emergency response, where representatives come together to co-ordinate actions and resources and to support people responding on the ground.
“The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund has enabled the City of Armstrong to enhance its emergency preparedness, response and ability to recover by enabling us to build capacity through the purchasing of equipment and by providing training opportunities,” said Joe Cramer, Armstrong mayor. “The contribution of $30,000 will make a significant impact on our community for years to come.”
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