McLeod Lake Indian Band is one of 57 First Nations and local governments that will receive funding to improve and modernize emergency support services (ESS) for people evacuated from their homes during emergencies.
"British Columbians who are forced to evacuate their homes often rely on provincially funded emergency support services that are delivered in partnership with First Nations and local governments," said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
"This funding will help communities build up capacity to better deliver these supports to people during very stressful situations as we continue modernizing and improving ESS."
More than $2.2 million from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) will support communities to expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of ESS equipment.
Funding may be used for buying ESS supplies and equipment, training and exercises for ESS responders, responder recruitment and retention activities, and personal protective equipment for ESS responders.
McLeod Lake Indian Band is receiving $28,359.40 in funding for an ESS trailer and backup solar power system to enable them to set up a mobile reception centre.
Other projected funded in northern B.C. include the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District, which will be getting $89,238.46 for ESS exercise and equipment acquisition and Smithers, which will be getting $60,000 for a Bulkley ESS transport, security and volunteer safety project.
