The province announced on April 10 that over $5 million in emergency preparedness funding will support 113 local projects across British Columbia, including several in North Coast communities. The funding is intended to strengthen evacuation response through volunteer recruitment and training, as well as the purchase of essential equipment.

"Volunteers and local emergency personnel are so crucial in remote and rural areas, and it's no different here on the North Coast," said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. "Whether it's for training, equipment, recruitment, or more, local people will benefit from this fund across the province as it creates stronger emergency support services."

The Central Coast Regional District will receive $40,000 for equipment and training for Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers. Port Clements is being allocated $25,000 for volunteer recruitment, training, and equipment. Port Edward will use $39,355 to support ESS training and group lodging supplies, while Prince Rupert is set to receive $14,369 for reception centre equipment.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is administered through the Union of BC Municipalities and supports initiatives that help local governments and First Nations prepare for disasters and address risks from natural hazards in a changing climate. Programs under CEPF include evacuation-route planning, emergency operations centre training, and Indigenous cultural safety.

Since CEPF was established in 2017, the province has committed $369 million to the fund. Approximately $315 million has already been distributed across about 2,400 projects.