Local governments in the Cowichan Valley are getting a chunk of money for emergency preparedness from $1.9 million earmarked from the province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund administered through the Union of BC Municipalities, it was announced Friday, May 6.
The Cowichan Valley Regional District, with Ladysmith, Duncan, North Cowichan and Lake Cowichan will get $115,000 for a towable generator project, while Cowichan Tribes will get $25,000 to strengthen their emergency support services.
“Preparedness makes responding to emergency events less stressful and more efficient,” said Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan. “This funding will make a big impact in our community by helping Cowichan Tribes and Cowichan Valley Regional District to strengthen their emergency support services.”
The idea is to make sure communities have equipment and procedures in place to lessen the impact of disasters, such as last November’s flooding and last June’s heat wave.
“It’s clearer than ever that emergencies can strike at any time, and it’s so important for communities to be prepared and ready to respond before they do,” said Mike Farnworth, minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “This funding will support First Nations and local governments to expand and build on their supports and services for evacuees and get ahead of what might come.”