Harrison Hot Springs receives $40,000 from B.C.’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to bolster local emergency response capabilities.
Harrison Hot Springs Secures Provincial Emergency Preparedness Funding
On May 12, 2025, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs announced it had been awarded a $40,000 grant from British Columbia’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF). This funding, provided through the Emergency Support Services Equipment and Training Stream, is designated for enhancing the village’s emergency response initiatives, exemplifying the importance of emergency preparedness funding. Planned allocations include first aid training for Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers. Additionally, there will be technological upgrades and improvements to the village’s reception center.
This grant follows a series of CEPF allocations made across British Columbia. It is part of an ongoing initiative to help municipalities prepare for natural and climate-related disasters.
Background: Building on a History of Resilience
Harrison Hot Springs has long prioritized emergency readiness. In 2023, the village secured a $5 million grant from CEPF’s Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Adaptation stream, demonstrating their commitment to emergency preparedness funding.
These proactive measures align with a broader provincial strategy. Since its inception in 2017, the CEPF has invested over $369 million into more than 1,900 projects across B.C. This effort significantly improves municipal disaster preparedness. Nearby communities such as Agassiz and Seabird Island have also received funding, illustrating a regional commitment to resilience.
Expert Insights: The Importance of Preparedness
Emergency management professionals underscore the necessity of such funding. According to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, these investments are vital, especially in light of increasing climate-related disasters like floods and wildfires. Emergency preparedness funding is crucial for effective responses. Read more
Minister Kelly Greene has emphasized that communities must be equipped not just with infrastructure but also with trained personnel and modern technology. Harrison’s targeted use of funds for ESS training and communication upgrades reflects a practical, strategic application of provincial support.
Community Impact: Enhancing Local Emergency Response
The $40,000 grant will directly benefit Harrison Hot Springs through the following improvements:
- Training: First aid and emergency response programs will better equip local ESS volunteers.
- Technology: Enhanced communication systems will improve response coordination.
- Infrastructure: Upgrades to the reception center will ensure safer, more efficient evacuee support during emergencies.
This mirrors efforts seen in other funded communities, showcasing how emergency preparedness funding creates a consistent and elevated standard of readiness across the Fraser Valley and beyond. Read more
Looking Ahead: A Model for Community Preparedness
Harrison Hot Springs’ strategy offers a model for other municipalities looking to strengthen their disaster readiness. Through combining previous large-scale infrastructure projects with this focused grant, the village is creating a comprehensive emergency preparedness framework.
For more stories on how British Columbia communities are investing in safety, visit our News section.
