Support for Wildfire Impact

ETSI-BC funding is available through its Fall 2026 Funding Intake to support our partners as they assist businesses to deal with wildfire impact. In addition, the following other resources are available to support communities and businesses:

Province of BC

Businesses affected by disasters are encouraged to access available recovery resources and supports. Key resources include: the Economic Recovery Guide for Businesses and Preparing for and Recovering from Economic Impacts of Disasters, which offer practical tools and guidance for preparedness, response, business continuity, and recovery. These resources also connect businesses to Supports for Economic Recovery, as well as organizations and services that may be able to assist during recovery.
The Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth’s Economic Development Services staff are available to connect communities and businesses with available recovery resources and support organizations.

- Larry Olson, South Okanagan/Similkameen Boundary Regional Manager, by email Larry.Olson@gov.bc.ca or phone 778-622-6888
- Alternate: Jen Comer, West Kootenay / Boundary Regional Manager, by email Jen.Comer@gov.bc.ca or phone 778-405-5013

Economic Development Resources

The COEDC has an emergency preparedness resource collection at: Emergency Preparedness Resources – Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. As resources to support businesses with long-term impacts and recovery emerge, this page will be updated.
The BCEDA DisasterSmartBC is a good resource for businesses you are working with to check out: https://www.disastersmartbc.ca/
You may also want to refer impacted businesses to the BCEDA Business Disaster Impact Survey: https://www.executivepulse.ca/DisasterSmartBCBDI Through the survey, businesses can identify the impacts they are experiencing and request that someone contact them to discuss their situation and potential resources or next steps.
Volunteer Opportunities: If folks in the economic development community are interested in volunteering for BCEDA to help support businesses and communities affected by disasters, a volunteer form is available here: https://disastersmartbc.ca/volunteer-with-us/

Other Resources

Free N95 Respirator and Medical Masks to Organizations
Local resources that may be helpful:

- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen may be able to provide business counselling, recovery planning assistance, and information on financing options that may help businesses navigate disruption and recovery.
- The Summerland WorkBC is closed and directing people to Penticton WorkBC
- The South Okanagan Similkameen Community Foundation has established a Wildfire Response Fund
- South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections Volunteer Centre is coordinating volunteers to support wildfire evacuees

Workforce and mental health resources:

- Employment and Social Development Canada – Resources for individuals affected by hazardous weather and natural disasters

- - Work-Sharing special measures may be introduced in response to hazardous weather events or natural disasters. Employers are encouraged to regularly visit the Work-Sharing Overview page and consult the Special Measures section for the latest updates on available support measures, eligibility criteria, and application requirements.
  - For more information, businesses can contact the Western Canada Regional Work Sharing Unit at edsc.wt.ws-tp.esdc@servicecanada.gc.ca or the Employer Contact Centre at 1-800-367-5693.

- If workforce reductions become necessary, businesses and affected workers are encouraged to connect with WorkBC as early as possible. WorkBC provides employment services, job search assistance, career planning resources, training opportunities, and information on available programs to support workforce transitions and recovery. WorkBC can also help employers access workforce resources and supports to assist with business continuity and recovery efforts.
- Mental health supports for individuals, youth and first responders through CanEmerg BC Directory