The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has approved a grant of $15,000 to the Eastgate Fire Protection Society.
The grant, funded from the Vermillion Forks Community Forest Reserve Fund, is to ensure that the fire protection society has adequate fire protection equipment since it is within an interface fire area.
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The Vermillion Forks Community Forest Corporation was formed in 2009 with the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, the town of Princeton and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen each as one-third shareholders. In 2014, the regional district created the Area H Community Facilities Capital Reserve Fund. Annual dividends from the Vermillion Forks Community Forest Corporation are transferred to the reserve.
Eastgate, on the eastern border of Manning Provincial Park, is within an interface fire area. The fire protection society has requested the grant to assist with the costs of equipment required during the Garrison Lake fire response.
During the 10-day fire, outside resources were mostly unavailable and equipment was purchased to protect the community.
After deducting expenditures already committed during 2021 and the $15,000 grant, the balance of the reserve fund will be $1,251,755.
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