New investments in local fire departments improve capacity, operations for Castlegar/RDCK
By Province of British Columbia
BC NDP MLAs Brittny Anderson and Steve Morissette say that provincial funding distributed to volunteer and composite fire departments across the province, including in the Kootenays, will support fire department capacity and operations, making people in the community safer and better protected against fire and local emergencies.
“Fire crews respond to emergencies in every corner of the RDCK, helping save lives, land, and homes,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay-Central. “Nearly $500,000 for equipment upgrades and training will help ensure that these amazing volunteers are better supported to serve our communities in the Kootenays.”
The following fire departments are receiving funding:
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Castlegar – Firefighter training and personal protective equipment
Amount: $11,910 -
Central Kootenay Regional District – Breathing-apparatus, fire-equipment and firefighter training
Amount: $480,000
“I can’t thank volunteer first responders, like firefighters, enough for all they do in our community,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “Giving a boost to these essential services, so they can improve training capacity and make sure to have up-to-date equipment allows for more safety in our communities and for our volunteers.”
This funding, from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, is investing a total nearly $4 million into volunteer and composite fire departments across the province, and since 2017 have provided over $29 million through this fund, supporting over 500 projects.
Numerous communities across B.C. are served solely or primarily by these volunteer and composite departments, who help keep people safe in emergencies. This round of funding supports 86 fire department projects that will make local communities safer and better prepared.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/
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