The B.C. government recently announced it is funding local community projects throughout B.C. to improve planning for evacuation routes and public notifications to keep people safe and informed when emergencies occur and the City of Kimberley is among the communities receiving funds.

Government is providing nearly $2 million, through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), to local governments and First Nations. This funding will support 51 communities to develop and update their plans through 42 public notification and evacuation route planning projects.

Projects include mapping routes, improving evacuation and public notification plans, and running training exercises to test plans before an emergency occurs.

Kimberley is getting $40,000 to develop an evacuation route plan, outlining route capacity, timelines, control points and best practices.

“It’s vital that communities have clear evacuation routes and dependable notification systems to keep people safe in the event of an emergency,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “These projects will improve the information available to communities, residents and first responders so they can act quickly and protect people when the need arises.”

The CEPF provides funding to boost community readiness for various natural hazards and climate-driven emergencies. This fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

“The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund continues to deliver critical support to communities working to safeguard residents during emergencies. This funding strengthens local capacity to plan and communicate effectively in high-stress situations, ensuring that people have the information they need to stay safe.

“UBCM is glad to administer this program on behalf of the province and support communities across B.C. to enhance emergency readiness,” stated UBCM president Trish Mandewo.

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