Oliver Osoyoos Search and Rescue will get a portion of the $18.6 million the provincial government recently announced it is giving to B.C. search and rescue. (File photo)

By Lyonel Doherty

Aberdeen Publishing

Search and rescue efforts in Oliver and Osoyoos will be enhanced thanks to an infusion of new funding from the province.

Oliver / Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) will be getting some of the $18.6 million in one-time funding announced last weekend.

OOSAR secretary Kyle Fossett said they aren’t sure how much they will be getting, noting the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) will look after dispersing the amounts to the 80 teams in B.C.

“What this funding does for our team is gives us three years of consistent funding towards training and equipment and allows us to plan,” Fossett said.

Currently, OOSAR receives funding from the regional district which covers annual expenses, such as vehicle insurance and building expenses. They also use Community Gaming Grants to buy new quads and trucks, but these grants are never consistent, Fossett said.

Read more: Local search and rescue group called out at all hours to safe lives

He noted the recent funding announcement was a “great day” for ground search and rescue in B.C. He said OOSAR thanks the province and members of the rescue association who have worked hard on sustainable funding for B.C. teams.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth agreed that a clearer path to long-term sustainable funding is needed.

Chris Kelly, president of the BCSARA, said their 2,500 members thank the province for this single, largest influx of funding to date.

“The funds will provide critical core supports over the next three years, while final details are completed in the short term on a sustainable model.”

The province’s 2,500 registered search and rescue volunteers respond to more than 1,600 incidents each year.

Most recently, OOSAR was requested by RCMP to assist in locating two missing snowboarders in the Mt. Baldy area. Members and equipment were deployed to the site and the snowboarders were subsequently found.