NEWS | SRD Awarded $360,000 for Emergency Operations Improvements
The SRD has been awarded $360,000 through the 2025 Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) grant funding stream. This funding will significantly enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities across several North Island and coastal communities.
(Campbell River, BC) – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has been awarded $360,000 through the 2025 Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) grant funding stream. This funding will significantly enhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities across several North Island and coastal communities.
The grant will support the purchase of high-frequency commercial radio equipment, specialized training, and the hiring of disaster communications technicians. These upgrades will expand the reach of the DisasterNet BC network—linking six more communities to a secure, provincewide emergency communications system.
“This grant is a direct result of strong regional collaboration,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “It will improve our ability to communicate across jurisdictions when it matters most. Communities will be better connected and more resilient in the face of emergencies and natural disasters.”
DisasterNet BC operates on commercial HF (high frequency) radio channels that are licensed and interference-protected, providing reliable communications even when cellular or internet networks fail. By expanding access to this system, the SRD and its partners are investing in dependable, community-based solutions to support rapid response and coordination during crises.
In addition to radio network expansion, the funding will also support the following community projects:
- Technology Upgrades: Improved virtual meeting infrastructure for the City of Campbell River and Village of Sayward, and an upgraded server at the Village of Gold River municipal hall, allowing for more effective coordination during emergencies.
- Increased Emergency Support Personnel: Funding for additional hours for part-time Emergency Program Liaisons in participating villages and First Nations, helping ensure local emergency plans are current, tested, and understood.
This grant application was a joint effort between the SRD and several partners, including the City of Campbell River, Ehattesaht/Chinehkint First Nation, Nuchatlaht First Nation, Town of Port McNeill and the Villages of Sayward, Gold River, Tahsis and Zeballos.
This investment strengthens local emergency management by building capacity where it’s needed most—within rural, remote, and Indigenous communities that often face greater barriers in disaster response. Improved communications and additional local support staff mean faster response times, better coordination between agencies, and ultimately, stronger community safety and resilience across the region.
Media Contact: Shaun Koopman – SRD Manager, Emergency Services, 250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca