A federal grant is aiding the Sea to Sky Corridor in streamlining its emergency training procedures.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), Pemberton and Whistler teamed up to create a modular and flexible Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Training program, thanks in part to funding from Public Safety Canada.
The project cost the regional governments approximately $8,700, with 50 per cent covered by a joint Emergency Preparedness Program grant, stated a SLRD press release.
The program is set to begin this spring. It reflects the risks and hazards most likely to occur within the regional district, the release noted. The initiative enables the three local governments to harmonize emergency operations training staff and volunteers, it continued.
"By aligning our EOC training programs with two of our member municipalities, we can train more staff and volunteers using consistent and customized approach that can seamlessly integrate into existing emergency programs within the region," said Ryan Wainwright, SLRD emergency program manager. "The end result will be a safer region in the event of an emergency."
SLRD officials expect the merger to reduce training costs, as participants will receive training locally instead of having to travel outside the region.
