Fraser Valley communities secure funding for evacuee support in emergencies

CHILLIWACK — Communities across the Fraser Valley are receiving additional emergency support as the region both recovers from flooding and prepares for wildfires this year.

Seven municipalities and First Nations within the region have secured over $170,000 from the province to expand their emergency support service capacities through supplies, volunteer training and equipment upgrades. The breakdown of funding granted is as follows:

• Chilliwack: $10,921 for personal protective equipment and volunteer development
• Hope: $30,000 for training, equipment and volunteer development
• Seabird Island Band, near Agassiz: $12,241 for comfort kits, training and development
• Sékw’elw’as, near Merritt: $30,000 for evacuation support supplies
• Sema:th First Nation, in the Abbotsford area: $30,000 for evacuee registration and assistance tool training, volunteer retention activities and IT equipment
• Shxw’ōwhámel First Nation, near Hope: $28,469 for introductory training, essential supplies and volunteer development
• Spuzzum First Nation, north of Hope: $30,000 for ESS evacuation support trailer

“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.”