New Denver Explores Grant for Emergency Support Services Funding

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is seeking to secure funding for Emergency Support Services (ESS) through a regional application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). During a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 1, Ian Briscoe, the Emergency Program Coordinator for the RDCK, detailed the potential benefits of this initiative.

If the application is approved, the RDCK could receive up to $300,000, with each of its ten partner municipalities eligible for $30,000. Briscoe emphasized that a regional approach would enhance the funding available, allowing for more comprehensive programming and better connectivity among ESS teams across the area. “We’re better together, and I’m a firm believer of that,” he stated.

The proposed funding is intended to support a part-time staff member dedicated to coordinating ESS efforts and alleviating administrative tasks for volunteers. Additionally, some funds would be allocated directly to municipalities, granting them the autonomy to address their specific needs. Briscoe noted, “One thing that’s become apparent is that the teams know what they need best, and that we should give them autonomy and authority.”

New Denver’s ESS team is already engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing local emergency preparedness. Nicky Blackshaw, a member of the team, is currently completing an ESS director course offered by the RDCK. This pilot program has attracted seven participants, a notable increase compared to the usual two spots available annually.

On November 5, the entire New Denver ESS team is invited to a regional gathering in Nelson, designed to foster collaboration among ESS volunteers in the RDCK. Briscoe expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We want to start building that community.” The New Denver team is also set to engage in joint training with Salmo’s ESS team at the end of October, exemplifying the collaborative spirit that the RDCK aims to cultivate.

In addition to the ESS funding discussion, the council approved the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s (SAC) plan to assist in developing an Urban Forestry Plan. This plan aims to enhance tree management and growth, ultimately benefitting the community in various ways. As noted in SAC’s letter to the council, large municipalities often report a significant return on investment from urban forestry initiatives. For instance, a recent study commissioned by the City of Victoria found that every $1 invested in urban trees yields $3.79 in benefits.

The Urban Forestry Plan will align with other council priorities, including the Downtown Revitalization Plan and fire mitigation strategies. SAC will assess existing tree stock, explore FireSmart planning, protect heritage trees, identify potential new plantings, engage the community, and seek funding opportunities as part of the development process.

Council will make a formal decision regarding participation in the regional ESS application at its meeting on October 14. Should the council approve participation, the decision will be forwarded to the RDCK board for final approval on November 13. The deadline for the funding application is November 14.