Three governments in the Tri-Cities will get $40,000 each from Victoria to help evacuees.
This week, the province said it will grant a total of $120,000 to Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation to help residents who need to flee their homes in an emergency.
Coquitlam’s portion will go for group lodging supplies while Port Coquitlam’s funding will be spent on training and retention activities, support for evacuee registration and assistance and supplies.
And the First Nations money will be put toward group lodging supplies and registration.
The allocations under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund are among 113 projects in which the province is providing $5 million to boost capacity, training and equipment due to climate changes.
The fund, which started in 2017 and is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities, has seen $369 million in provincial pledges; so far, $315 million has been doled out for 2,400 projects.
"It’s crucial that people know there is a safe place to go if they have to evacuate their home during an emergency," said Jennifer Blatherwick, MLA for Coquitlam–Maillardville, in a news release. "Our government is committed to supporting services for people in times of need."
Added Mike Farnworth, Port Coquitlam’s MLA: "Emergency support staff and volunteers are essential to keep us all safe. This funding will go toward ensuring they are as prepared as they can be when we need them most."
