Skip to content

Barriere Search and Rescue receives $15K gaming grant

Group will be using funding for training, operational costs and essential equipment.

Barriere Search and Rescue is one of two non-profit organizations dedicated to protecting the public who are now receiving a combined $27,000 from the province’s Community Gaming Grant program.

“People from all over the world enjoy our region’s many outdoor recreation opportunities and it is a comfort to know we have top-notch search-and-rescue crews when they’re needed,” Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake said.

The Barriere group will be receiving $15,000, and Kamloops Search and Rescue Society will receive $12,000.

“Our search-and-rescue personnel are a lifeline for people who become lost or are in distress and I am proud that our government is continuing to support their vital work,” Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone said.

Barriere Search and Rescue President Drew McMartin commented how the funds will be utilized.

“This grant will be used on training.  For example, a ground search and rescue course that we are putting our new members through  as well as other training such as first aid courses, helicopter training, rope rescue training, etc,” said McMartin.  “We are also using the money for search and rescue operational costs, and purchasing essential equipment we need throughout the year.”

McMartin also provided an update regarding the new Search and Rescue building currently being constructed next to the fire hall on Barriere Town Road.

“The building is almost complete, our main holdup now is waiting for BC Hydro to connect us to power.  We are also waiting on Telus to hook up the phone lines,” said McMartin, “The inside walls have all been painted, the lighting is up, and we just need to paint the floor and the doors. The electrical is 90 per cent done, and there is some lighting still needing be installed on the outside, which will be completed shortly.  Once that is all done we should be able to start moving our stuff into the building.”