June 6, 2025 – As British Columbia responds to increasingly frequent climate emergencies, the Province is funding local projects to better equip local governments and First Nations to respond to emergencies and support people who are evacuated.

“Local emergency operations centres (EOC) are crucial in co-ordinating response efforts and safeguarding communities during emergencies,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “That’s why we’re providing communities with tools and training for staff and volunteers at emergency operations centres. These supports will allow local governments and First Nations throughout B.C. to better respond to emergencies.”

The Province is providing nearly $7 million to support 139 emergency operation centre projects, benefiting 183 communities through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). These funds will be used to purchase supplies and fund training and exercises to support staff and boost response capacity. Emergency operations centres co-ordinate people, actions and resources, and support first responders on the ground. They also ensure people receive timely information, shelter assistance and other vital services throughout an emergency.

“Funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is strengthening our emergency program,” said David Lind, fire chief, City of Vernon. “With new Rapid Damage Assessment kits and focused training for our emergency operations centre personnel, we’re ensuring our teams have the right tools and knowledge to quickly assess risks, co-ordinate responses effectively and better protect residents during emergencies and disasters.”

This funding will support projects throughout B.C., including:

• strengthening local emergency response in Vernon with new Rapid Damage Assessment kits and EOC training courses for staff and volunteers;
• enhancing emergency co-ordination in Saik’uz First Nation with a mobile office trailer to ensure better emergency co-ordination and continued service delivery during evacuation;
• providing EOC staff with specialized training and essential equipment in Witset First Nation so the centre can respond more effectively when emergencies impact the community; and
• upgrading EOCs in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Bamfield and Long Beach with new communication systems, power backups and supplies. Funding will also support interactive workshops, training courses and a multi-jurisdictional simulation exercise to strengthen regional readiness and improve response co-ordination.

The CEPF helps communities better prepare for the impacts of climate-related emergencies by funding local projects and initiatives in several categories. In addition to emergency operations centres equipment and training, other CEPF funding streams include:

• volunteer and composite fire departments equipment and training;
• emergency support services equipment and training;
• public notification and evacuation-route planning; and
• Indigenous cultural safety and cultural humility training.

The Province has invested $369 million into the CEPF since it was established in 2017. Including this intake, more than $342 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,500 projects. Since 2017, approximately $23 million has been invested to support local emergency operations centres. This fund is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities.

Learn More:

For more information about the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, visit: https://www.ubcm.ca/cepf

For more information about the emergency operation centre operational guidelines, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/eoc_operational_guidelines.pdf