The City of Kimberley and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) are asking neighbouring municipalities to partner and apply for funding grants to boost local emergency support services (ESS).
Applications would be submitted to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities under the Community Emergency Preparedness fund and Emergency Support Services equipment and Training Funding Program. The grants are intended to help fund training and recruit volunteers, buy essential equipment, and modernize emergency systems across the region.
If approved, funding would be directed to the East Kootenay Emergency Management Program (EKEMP), which will provide assistance to all local areas and First Nations. The program covers three subregions- Columbia Valley, Elk Valley/South Country, and the Central Subregion- and encourages communities to share resources and work together to better manage and emergency response.
As part of the regional plan, the ESS program provides short-term support such as food, shelter, clothing and emotional assistance to people affected by disasters.
If grant applications are approved three main goals are intended to be focused on to maximize Emergency Support Services. The goals include the following:
- Volunteer training through local in person workshops and the Network of Emergency Support Services conference.
- Volunteer appreciation and recruitment drives, new advertisements, social media campaigns, and local events.
- Purchasing new emergency supplies and IT equipment, including a mobile air conditioning unit for evacuation centres.
Each local government can apply for up to $30,000, with RDEK as the lead applicant. Partner communities, including ʔaq̓am, Cranbrook, Kimberley, and Invermere, would allow funding to be pooled for a total request of up to $150,000. If the applications are approved the RDEK would be authorized to receive and manage the funds on behalf of the city of Kimberley
This project aims to improve how the region responds to emergencies and help people recover faster after disasters. Strengthening emergency support services will lead to a more prepared, resilient and collaborative communities.
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