The Province of British Columbia is providing a significant boost to emergency response capabilities, with nearly $4 million in new funding directed to volunteer and composite fire departments across the province. This investment, announced on March 31, 2026, aims to improve local safety by providing fire crews with essential new equipment and updated training.
The funding is provided through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the province. Since the fund was created in 2017, it has invested more than $29 million specifically to support over 500 projects for volunteer and composite fire departments.
On Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands, 22 local fire departments are sharing a total of $894,056 in this latest round of provincial support. Nearby communities on the Saanich Peninsula are among the recipients, with the Central Saanich Fire Department receiving $29,348 for structure protection equipment, while North Saanich received $30,000 for similar safety gear.
The Town of Sidney Fire Department, which has been serving the community since 1914, has previously participated in this provincial program. In 2024, the department received $8,000 in provincial funding specifically to support structure protection training for its team, which consists of seven career staff and 35 volunteers.
According to the provincial government, this ongoing financial commitment is intended to help departments respond to emergencies more effectively. “Volunteer firefighters show up when it matters most, and this funding equips them to respond faster and more effectively,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.
