Oceanside Emergency Support Services will apply for a provincial grant that will enhance its capacity to assist residents during emergency situations.
Parksville council recently approved city staff to apply for a $45,900 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Emergency Support Services Grant, administered by the Union of B.C. Municipalities and funded by the province.
The grant provides an opportunity for one lead local government to represent the others, with all eligible for a larger grant amount, according to a report by Kate Pocock, emergency program co-ordinator.
The city collaborates with the Town of Qualicum Beach in preparing for emergency responses through Oceanside Emergency Support Services.
If the grant is successful, it will fund several projects that include sending eight ESS volunteers to the annual Network of Emergency Support Services Team (NESST) conference, which takes place in Prince George this year, according to Pocock's report.
The grant will also provide for the purchase of 10 collapsible group lodging privacy pods, fund three consultant-led volunteer training sessions to focus on improving communication in challenging situations, purchase of ESS T-shirts, monthly volunteer recognition and retention activities, purchase of toys and books for families with children during reception centre and group lodging situations and for provision of refreshments at regular meetings.
The two municipalities manage ESS under Emergency Management Oceanside, together with the Regional District of Nanaimo.
Council voted unanimously to permit staff to apply for the grant, during its Jan. 20 meeting.
