A major increase in support from the provincial government has removed a big financial worry for Prince George Search and Rescue.
It is among the 79 search and rescue groups across the province that will share in a $6-million commitment starting in 2022. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced the boost on Monday, saying it is in addition to the $10 million B.C. provides each year for search-related operational costs.
"The money that we'll get from this allows us to keep our doors open without having to fund raise," PGSAR search manager Dale Bull said. "This gives us a level of certainty that we've never had before."
He said it will also give PGSAR a chance to concentrate on longer-term projects and fundraise for them.
He said it follows on a couple bouts of temporary increases in funding, each of which lasted three years. Search and rescue groups have lobbied for years for more permanent support.
Search and rescue groups have lobbied for years for more permanent support. Chris Kelly, president of the B.C. Search and Rescue Association, said call volume is slightly higher than the usual at this time of year and August is expected to be busy as lockdown-weary residents venture into the backcountry.
For Prince George and area, Bull said the volume is about average for this time of year.
"We're expecting more calls but it's always hard to predict trends going forward," he said. "There could be nice weather and we could see a lot more calls onto the river. If the weather's not so good, maybe we'll see more calls based on ATVs - it's very hard to predict and every year seems to have its own theme."
Volunteers have been called out to 13 tasks so far this year, on place for the average of 23 a year with about have of them involving mutual aid outside of Prince George.
Bull encouraged everyone heading out into the wilderness to carry the 10 essentials as outlined on the adventuresmart.ca website: flashlight with spare batteries and bulb; a fire-making kit; a signaling device (whistle or mirror); extra food and water (one litre per person); extra clothing (raingear and toque); navigation and communication aids; first aid kit; emergency shelter; pocket knife and sun protection (sun screen, glasses, hat).
As well, he stressed making sure someone knows where you're going.
"Having a good trip plan is always, for us, the most important thing," he said.
- with files from The Canadian Press
