Province funds emergency support services equipment, training in Kamloops-area communities

Apr 16, 2026 | 8:54 AM

KAMLOOPS — Communities in the Thompson, Nicola and Cariboo are receiving provincial funding to expand their abilities to provide emergency support services (ESS) to people who are forced to evacuate their homes.

The B.C. government is providing nearly $2.5 million for 88 communities. The funding announced on Thursday (April 16) will go toward volunteer recruitment, retention and training, and the purchase of ESS supplies such as IT equipment, hygiene kits, bedding, pillows and storage bins.

The Cities of Kamloops and Merritt each received $30,000 for reception centre equipment and volunteer development opportunity. The City of Williams Lake also received $28,457 for reception centre supplies and volunteer recognition and development opportunities.

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District received $28,448 for IT equipment and volunteer training and development opportunity while the Cariboo Regional District received $23,738 for volunteer retention and development opportunity.

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Tk’emlups te Secwepemc received $30,000 for IT equipment, training supplies and volunteer development opportunity while the Tsilhqot’in National Government received $30,000 for cultural care kits and ESS IT equipment.

“When people have to leave their homes during an emergency, they need support to be available quickly,” said Kelly Greene, B.C.’s 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.”

ESS provide assistance to displaced residents during an emergency, helping them with registration, referrals, food, clothing, shelter and emotional support. Local governments and First Nations deliver ESS with the help of trained volunteers.

The province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

by Aaron Schulze

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Province funds emergency support services equipment, training in Kamloops-area communities

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