By Lexi McFarlane, Times Chronicle

A regional grant funding application for emergency operations will include the Town of Osoyoos, as part of a broader collaborative effort among South Okanagan communities.

The grant funding in question would be administered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), administered by the Union of BC Municipalities. 

The submission includes the Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen (RDOS), along with the Osoyoos Indian Band, Town of Oliver, Village of Keremeos, Town of Princeton and District of Summerland, in addition to the Town of Osoyoos.

The region annually applies for, and receives, CEPF funding in order to prepare in case of an emergency. Specifically, funding goes toward Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) resources, which the RDOS can activate on behalf of a municipality or the Osoyoos Indian Band in an emergency event to assist in response efforts.

Council discussed the application at the Regular Council meeting on February 10, with a report prepared by Town CAO Rod Risling. The report, presented by Director of Corporate Services Marg Coulson at the meeting, details that there is already a strong history with the RDOS, and the Town of Osoyoos, utilizing this grant.

“The EOC… is a funding opportunity that Osoyoos has been taking advantage of annually for about five years,” Coulson stated.

Continuing to receive the grant this year would allow not only for extended funding of support services staff contracts, but allow for regional training exercises and improvements to audio-visual and radio equipment.

Costs associated with regional training exercises include space rental, refreshments, and travel and accommodation expenses. Costs for audio-visual and radio equipment would upgrade their capabilities in emergency situations. Audio-visual equipment upgrades would help improve situational awareness for an EOC, while radio upgrades would enhance responder safety in rural or remote areas. 

Each applicant for the CEPF is permitted to receive up to $30,000 annually. With all of Osoyoos, Oliver, Princeton, Summerland, Keremeos and the Osoyoos Indian Band, as well as the RDOS itself, applying for the grant, the total amount applied for in 2026 is $210,000. 

Council unanimously approved the staff recommendation to support the grant application.