The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Summerland, Keremeos and Osoyoos will be improving their emergency preparedness with $160,000 in grant funding.
The funding was awarded through the 2025 Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning program, funded by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.
The RDOS and the municipalities applied jointly for the funding, which will be used to improve evacuation planning throughout the region.
鈥淭he Regional District is pleased to be awarded this partnership grant for the 2025 Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning program,鈥� said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. 鈥淭his funding will support the RDOS in enhancing emergency preparedness, notification systems, and evacuation planning to better protect communities in the region.鈥�
Existing evacuation plans will be updated with improved GIS and spatial data accuracy which will be used to refine and alter evacuation zones and routes to reflect the geography and infrastructure of the region as a whole and for the participating municipalities.
The funds will also be used for improving the integration and coordination of public notification platforms, and developing public education materials and communication tools.
This work supports the ongoing commitment of local governments to improve public safety and ensure residents and visitors are better informed and prepared in the event of an emergency, the RDOS said.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels, and community engagement will be undertaken as the plans are improved.
