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RDEK and Invermere get funds for evacuation route planning
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is receiving $171,720 and District of Invermere $21,920 in provincial government funds for evacuation route planning.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Emergency Management BC today announced 28 communities have been approved to receive their share of more than $1 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support evacuation route planning.
The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to develop evacuation route plans for communities that may otherwise face challenges during an evacuation due to an emergency.
“Through this program, we’ve been able to help communities better prepare for emergencies so they can be more responsive and resilient,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “These funds for evacuation route planning will help ensure more British Columbians can escape safely in case a disaster hits, and these communities can rest easier knowing they have a solid plan in place to keep people safe from harm.”
Since 2017, communities and governments across B.C. have received more than $60 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). The successful applicants for the latest round of funding hail from every corner of B.C.
Funding for the Evacuation Route Planning component of the CEPF was announced at the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) convention in September 2017. This funding is part of a $69.5-million plan designed to help communities prepare for, and respond to, disasters.
“Preparation is the key to being able to effectively recover from an emergency,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “I’m encouraged to see so many of B.C.’s communities working on evacuation plans so they can be ready to respond if the need arises.”
The CEPF is a suite of programs designed to enhance the resiliency of local governments, First Nations communities and their residents. The province provides the funding, which is administered by UBCM and divided into seven streams:
* Flood Risk Assessment, Flood Mapping and Flood Mitigation Planning;
* Emergency Support Services;
* Emergency Operations Centres and Training;
* Structural Flood Mitigation;
* Evacuation Route Planning;
* Indigenous Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility Training;
* Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training.
The next deadline to apply for a program is March 26, for Emergency Operations Centres and Training.
Lead image: One of only three entry/exit roads to Invermere. e-KNOW file photo
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