REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: February 8, 2021 Report No. CSS-21-003
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director of Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Community Emergency Preparedness Fund; Emergency Support Services Stream- Grant Application
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RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
1. That Council support by way of resolution a $15,980.00 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Support Services Stream and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application, as outlined in Staff Report No. CSS-21-003.
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RELEVANT POLICY:
Emergency Program Act, RSBC 1996, c.111
Emergency Management Bylaw, 2015, No. 2853
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision supports the following specific strategic objective: Build and Enhance Partnerships - Work with governments, school districts and stakeholders to enhance relationships and advance issues impacting the community
BACKGROUND:
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies. Funding is provided by the Province of BC and is administered by Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The funding stream being applied for is “Emergency Support Services.”
For continued capacity building of the Emergency Program, related to operating an ESS Reception Centre and Group Lodging, a grant application will be submitted for the purchase of additional equipment. Currently there are two locations that house the majority of ESS supplies, Archie Browning Sports Centre parking lot and the Church of the Nazarene. The Church of the Nazarene is the newer of the two locations and has the least number of supplies. With the grant funding, basic supplies will be purchased and stored in both locations but primarily at the Church of the Nazarene. The equipment purchased will also allow the capacity to set up an outdoor mobile Reception Centre in the event an indoor facility is not available or unusable. This will enhance Esquimalt’s capacity to not only respond within its jurisdiction but also within the region.
ISSUES:
The CEPF is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of funding that can be used to enhance the resiliency of the Township of Esquimalt and our residents in recovery from emergencies.
2. Organizational Implications
Staff time will be allocated for the purchase, distribution and inventory of items and overall project coordination. An ESS exercise will be planned to help familiarize volunteers with the new equipment and increase the capacity and ability of the Township to effectively respond to emergencies.
3. Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as 100% of the cost of eligible activities is contributed by the fund.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Staff from relevant departments will be consulted for advice on purchases to ensure holistic organizational involvement. Volunteers from the community will be engaged in creating planning around an exercise and the use of the equipment.
ALTERNATIVES:
2. That Council support by way of resolution a $15,980.00 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Support Services Stream and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application, as outlined in Staff Report No. CSS-21-003.
2. That Council does not provide a resolution in support of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund application.