To support local volunteer fire departments with training, the province has divvied out funding to over 200 departments.
Many departments are on the Sunshine Coast. According to the province, funding will go to Sechelt Fire Protection District, Tla’amin Nation and the qathet and Sunshine Coast Regional Districts.
Sechelt will get $30,000 for a Class B car training prop and Tla’amin Nation will get the same amount for fire department equipment purchases.
Northside, Savary, Malaspina and Lasqueti Island departments in qathet will split $96,000 for health and wellness initiatives while the Sunshine Coast Regional District will split $120,000 for fire department improvements.
Improvements will be made in Gibsons, Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and Egmont.
The province says the funds are being distributed through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, totalling over $6.2 million. They add that most communities rely on volunteer firefighters to protect people, homes and businesses.
“Keeping people in our communities safe is a top priority and supporting our volunteer fire departments is key,” said public safety minister Mike Farnworth.
“We’re investing in training equipment and mental health support to improve firefighting and care for our front-line workers. This effort strengthens our push to build strong, resilient communities across British Columbia.”
