BC Search and Rescue groups receive $18.6M in historic funding announcement

The provincial government has announced that they are providing $18.6 million in one-time funding to ground search and rescue groups throughout B.C. to be used over the next three years.

There are 2,500 registered search and rescue volunteers provide a vital public safety service for citizens and visitors, responding to more than 1,600 incidents each year.

The historic funding will help the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) and search and rescue groups bolster training, provide administrative support and equipment renewals.

“In discussions with BCSARA, I’ve heard the ground search and rescue community’s strong concerns about the need for both an immediate infusion of funding and a clearer path toward long-term sustainable funding,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General today.

“That’s why we’re providing a record-level of funding as an immediate top-up of what B.C.’s GSAR groups are already receiving, as well as establishing a joint committee to move more quickly toward developing a sustainable funding model.”

We're supporting ground search and rescue groups in BC by providing $18.6 million in funding to help bolster training, provide administrative support and equipment renewals. https://t.co/zc2PXqYT7s @BCSARAssoc @PreparedBC #bcsar pic.twitter.com/LM2QI4Phti

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) March 23, 2019

The $18.6 million in funding announced today represents the single largest provincial investment into search and rescue in B.C.’s history – a 24% increase from $5 million per year in supplemental funding announced in 2016.

"BCSARA and the 80 GSAR groups sincerely appreciate the support received from everyone over the last weeks," the BCSARA said in a statement.

"We especially want to thank the many elected officials across all levels of government in BC who voiced support for funding search and rescue, the many government officials who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to see this announcement happen, and to the general public for sharing our concerns on social media and reaching out to their elected

officials voicing support."

As well, Emergency Management BC has funding for two additional staff positions to work with BCSARA on the development and implementation of a new governance and funding model.

Happy to be at the Coquitlam Search and Rescue Headquarters for an announcement from Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth. 18.6 million dollars for ground search and rescue throughout the Province! ⁦@mikefarnworthbc⁩ ⁦@selinarobinson⁩ pic.twitter.com/lDmcKJXGLK

— Glenn Pollock (@PoCoGlenn) March 23, 2019

“On behalf of the 80 ground search and rescue groups and 2,500 members across the province, our thanks to the provincial government for the single largest influx of funding for search and rescue to date,” said Chris Kelly, president, BCSARA.

“The funds will provide critical core supports over the next three years, while final details are completed in the short term on a sustainable model.”

Representatives from Emergency Management BC and BCSARA will create a partnership committee, which will set policy direction and consistent standards for search and rescue, and a management committee, which will make joint decisions on the distribution of funding to B.C.’s 80 search and rescue groups.

This new funding is in addition to funding that the province already provides each year – $9 million in 2017-2018 – to cover GSAR operational costs for deployment, as well as training and equipment costs, and the insurance and liability for the 80 groups serving B.C.