First Nations and local governments across B.C. will receive more than $1.3 million for 29 projects to improve evacuation-route and public-notification planning, helping communities better prepare for emergencies, including in Cranbrook and Creston.
“This funding helps communities build clearer evacuation-route plans and stronger public-notification plans. It means people throughout B.C. will have improved access to the information they need to get to safety quickly,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
Local projects
- Creston will receive $40,000 to create a new evacuation-route plan and run a tabletop exercise to test it.
- Cranbrook will receive $40,000 for evacuation-route planning and stakeholder engagement to support coordinated, accessible evacuations.
“The funding will be used to develop an evacuation-route plan, further strengthening the Town of Creston’s ability to respond to emergencies,” said Asha DeLisle, emergency management and climate readiness co-ordinator, Creston.
“The plan will help support a co-ordinated and effective response to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure, enhancing community resilience.”
About the fund
The funding comes through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.
Along with public-notification and evacuation-route planning, the fund also supports emergency operations centres and emergency support services. It is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.
“Emergency preparedness starts long before an evacuation order is issued,” said Cori Ramsay, president, Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM).
“Keeping evacuation-route plans current and ensuring residents know where to find trusted information are essential parts of protecting communities. UBCM welcomes this investment and the collaborative approach behind it.”
Since 2017, approximately $7.8 million in investment has supported 212 projects through this funding stream.
For more information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, click here.
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