The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has received a $360,000 grant to enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities across several North Island and coastal communities.
With this funding, the SRD will buy high-frequency commercial radio equipment, offer specialized training, and bring on more disaster communications technicians, linking six more communities to a secure, province-wide emergency communications network.
Along with expanding the radio network, the funding will also support technology upgrades to improve virtual meeting infrastructure for the City of Campbell River and the Village of Sayward. Plus, it will enable an upgraded server at the Village of Gold River municipal hall, which will improve coordination during emergencies.
The grant will improve the regional district's ability to communicate across jurisdictions in times of emergencies, said Chair Mark Baker.
"Communities will be better connected and more resilient in the face of emergencies and natural disasters," Baker said.
