Emergency management partners across the Comox Valley are receiving provincial funding to strengthen support for residents displaced by emergencies.

The Comox Valley Regional District, K’ómoks First Nation, Town of Comox, City of Courtenay, and Village of Cumberland have been awarded up to $150 thousand through the 2025 Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

The funding comes through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and is aimed at strengthening regional emergency response capacity.

ESS provides short-term help to people forced from their homes during emergencies or disasters. That support can include food, clothing, lodging, emotional assistance, and other essential services for up to 72 hours.

The program is designed to meet immediate needs during evacuations. It does not replace household insurance but focuses on public safety and short-term stabilization.

“Emergency Support Services teams are essential to the province’s ability to coordinate mandated supports for people displaced by disasters,” says Will Cole Hamilton, Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District Board.

“ESS programs are delivered by local and First Nation governments and without sustainable provincial funding, these partners and communities rely on annual grants to access the training and equipment needed for staff and volunteers to provide temporary supports to evacuees.”

The Comox Valley ESS team trains alongside K’ómoks First Nation and local government staff, as well as neighbouring communities, to deliver emergency supports under provincial emergency management legislation.

The new funding will support cross-agency training and exercises with mutual aid partners, including Oceanside ESS volunteers and staff from Parksville, Qualicum, and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

It will also help provide training in cultural safety, conflict management, incident command systems, psychological first aid, and mental health support.

Other priorities include upgrading supplies and equipment, participating in provincial knowledge-sharing opportunities, and supporting volunteer recruitment and retention.

Emergency officials are also encouraging residents to prepare for wildfire season by setting up an Evacuee Registration and Assistance profile.

That can be done through the BC Services Card app or online through the provincial ESS website.

Learn more at Comox Valley Regional District.