qathet Regional District, BC — The qathet Regional District (qRD) has been informed by Union of British Columbia Municipalities that it has been awarded $160,000.00 for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund; Volunteer and Composite Fire Departments Equipment and Training grant funding. The amount will provide $40,000.00 in provincial funding to each of the qRD’s four volunteer fire departments: Malaspina, Savary Island, Northside, and Lasqueti Island.
The grant funding was created to support volunteer and composite fire departments to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The funding was based on the budgeting requests from each of the qRD’s four Fire Chiefs and will help to supply necessary firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment. The budgets for the qRD’s local fire departments are funded solely by the property owners within each respective service area so funding support from the Province of BC helps the smallest service areas reduce their taxation to meet their service requirements. The fire equipment amounts are currently included in each local fire service’s proposed 2025 budget.
“Operating a fire department for a very small community and tax base is a constant challenge so this funding is very much appreciated.” Richard Carlson, Fire Chief Lasqueti Island Volunteer Fire Department.
“It’s great to see provincial funding supporting all of our qRD Volunteer Fire Departments. The qRD recognizes the time and hard work that our Volunteer Firefighters give to keep our residents and visitors safe. Ensuring we have adequate equipment for firefighters to perform their services safely is crucial.” Clay Brander, Chair, qathet Regional District.
The qathet Regional District operates four volunteer fire departments made up of a committed group of people who volunteer their time and energy to help protect our communities. To learn more about fire protection services in the qathet Regional District, please visit: qathet.ca/fire-protection-services.
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada, Savary and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACTS:
qathet Regional District
Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
P: 604.485.2260 | E: emergency@qathet.ca