Image: Government MLAs Lana Popham, Ian Paton and Pam Alexis visit the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Abbotsford on November 23, 2021. / BC Govt. / Flickr

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Community Emergency Preparedness Fund

Chilliwack area Emergency Operations Centres to benefit from provincial funding

Apr 20, 2024 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — Residents of Kent, Harrison Hot Springs, and Seabird Island Nation should expect to be safer during an emergency following the announcement of provincial funding. The funding is targeted to provide resources for local governments and First Nations to deal with emergencies.

Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon says the funding to Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) will support training, recruitment and the purchasing of some equipment. “For rural, remote and Indigenous communities, this investment can make a huge difference when it comes time to address a local emergency.”

Earlier this year the provincial government announced similar funding through Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF).

Harrison Hot Springs will receive $18,524 for EOC capacity, Kent will be allocated $30,000 for equipment and training, and the Seabird Island First Nation will benefit from $29,920 for 2024 training and equipment.

Since its establishment in 2017, the CEPF has received $369 million in funding. Over $217 million has been allocated to First Nations and local governments for more than 1,970 projects, with over half of this funding distributed since December 2022. Approximately $14.9 million has been invested to support local EOCs since 2017.

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