Three local governments—Smithers, Houston, and Telkwa—are joining forces to ensure Indigenous communities are included in emergency and disaster planning. Each municipality received $40,000 in provincial funding, which they’ve combined to award a $109,000 contract to Colliers Project Management.
Colliers will work with the Office of the Wet’suwet’en, Gitxsan First Nation, Witset, and Lake Babine First Nation to develop a plan for communication and cooperation in emergencies. The plan will identify significant cultural heritage sites and establish protocols for their protection.
It also includes placing Indigenous representatives in emergency operations and reception centres, aligning with 2023 legislation requiring Indigenous involvement in local emergency measures.
The Town of Smithers is leading the project, which was initially scheduled for completion this year. However, a deadline extension has been granted into next year. A portion of the pooled funds has been set aside to cover any potential cost overruns.
Meanwhile, the District of Houston is applying for an additional $80,000 grant to deepen Indigenous participation in future emergency planning efforts.
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