Summary

• The Province is providing nearly $2.5 million through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund for 54 Emergency Support Services projects
• Funding will support the purchase of Emergency Support Services equipment for communities throughout B.C., volunteer recruitment and training
• Through this fund, since 2017, more than $21 million has supported more than 650 Emergency Support Services projects throughout the province

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The Province is providing nearly $2.5 million to strengthen emergency support services, helping communities throughout B.C. better support people displaced by emergencies.

“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “This funding helps communities prepare to deliver that support, from recruiting and training volunteers to equipment and supplies for reception centres and group lodging, helping ensure assistance is ready when people need it most.”

Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the Province is supporting 54 projects for 88 communities under the Emergency Support Services (ESS) Equipment and Training stream. This funding will help communities expand their capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment and retention, volunteer training and the purchase of ESS equipment and supplies. This can include equipment and supplies such as IT equipment, hygiene kits, bedding, pillows and storage bins.

Supporting people when emergencies happen

Emergency support services provide essential help to people evacuated from their homes, including registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. Local governments and First Nations deliver these services with the help of trained volunteers.

“Emergency support services rely on people and practical readiness,” said Cori Ramsay, president, Union of British Columbia Municipalities. "This funding helps communities strengthen both, by supporting trained volunteers and ensuring the right equipment is in place before emergencies happen. Local governments and First Nations know their communities best, and this program gives them the tools to be better prepared to support people when they need it most.”

Projects funded in 2026 include:

• Dzawada'enuxw First Nation:
  • establishing an emergency support services team in Kingcome Inlet by funding training, essential responder equipment and a mobile storage trailer to strengthen community readiness
• District of Wells:
  • building capacity to serve as a host community during emergencies by acquiring a support trailer, training volunteers in emergency support services and equipping responders with essential supplies
• Tla'amin Nation:
  • establishing emergency support services capability by recruiting and training volunteers and procuring essential equipment to provide culturally grounded support for evacuees in the ferry-dependent community
• Dease River First Nation:
  • acquiring an evacuation support trailer and supplies to build local hosting capacity, along with training and exercises to prepare the community for emergencies
• Golden:
  • supporting Emergency Support Services volunteer capacity through participation in volunteer-development opportunities and regional training exercises, along with IT upgrades, branded materials and initiatives to enhance volunteer recruitment, retention and development

With this funding, communities throughout B.C. will be better equipped to help people when emergencies happen.

Quotes:

Sarah Peterson, fire program co-ordinator and emergency management assistant, Dzawada'enuxw First Nation –

“This funding has been instrumental in helping Dzawada'enuxw First Nation build emergency support services capacity in our remote community of Kingcome Inlet. Support received in 2024 allowed us to begin training, planning, and strengthening local response readiness. It has already improved our ability to prepare for emergencies and support community members when needed. With this year’s funding, we will continue building a stronger ESS team, secure essential equipment, and improve long-term community resilience.”

Ed Coleman, mayor, District of Wells –

“This funding for Building Capacity in Emergency Support Services will allow Wells to significantly enhance residents access to Emergency Support Services in times of need. By helping develop mobile-service delivery and strengthening the ability to recruit and equip volunteers, we will strengthen our community's resilience and be able to better serve our residents in their time of need.”

Brandon Louie, legislator and community services house post, Tla'amin Nation –

“Tla'amin territory sits near the end of the road on Highway 101. We are a semi remote ferry-dependent community, and when something goes wrong, we have only ourselves to depend on. This funding will help our Nation recruit and train our members to care for our community in culturally safe ways during emergencies, and to strengthen co-ordination with regional emergency service partners.”

Trevor Moon, operations and emergency response manager, Dease River First Nation –

“Good Hope Lake had two large wild fires in recent years and we certainly learned how unprepared we were. Now, with this funding, we will be better prepared, we will build local community capacity, and will do what we can to assist other local communities when needed and possible. This will strengthen our resilience in technical terms but also in pride in knowing we can look after ourselves in emergencies.” 

Karen Cathcart, Electoral Area A director, Columbia Shuswap Regional District; Golden and Area Emergency Management Program –

“This funding will strengthen Golden and Area A’s emergency preparedness by supporting equipment upgrades, training and volunteer recruitment for our Emergency Support Services program. These investments will help make sure our team is well equipped, well trained and ready to provide timely, co-ordinated support to residents during emergencies, when it matters most.”

For more information about volunteer opportunities in emergency support services, contact your local government or First Nation.

Quick Facts:

• CEPF is a suite of funding programs that helps local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and reduce risks from natural hazards in a changing climate.  
• The Province has committed $369 million into all the streams of CEPF since it was established in 2017.  
• Including this intake, almost $350 million has been provided to First Nations and local governments for more than 2,700 projects throughout the province.  
• In addition to ESS, the CEPF includes funding for emergency operations centres, volunteer and composite fire departments, public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations in disaster risk reduction.
• The CEPF is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the Province.

Learn More:

For more information about Emergency Support Services, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/ess

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

A backgrounder follows.