Bonnyville Search and Rescue could soon receive annual operating funding from the M.D. of Bonnyville after council voted to add the volunteer organization to its list of eligible community associations.

At its July 14 meeting, council approved adding the Bonnyville Search and Rescue Society to the municipality’s Community Association Operating Grant Program, making the organization eligible to apply for up to $5,000 annually. Administration was also directed to amend the policy to formally include the group.

Supporting a volunteer service

The decision follows a presentation made by Bonnyville Search and Rescue to council in May, when members asked to be added to the municipality’s list of eligible organizations.

According to administration, the volunteer team consists of 12 certified members who respond to search and rescue requests throughout the M.D. of Bonnyville, the Town of Bonnyville and surrounding communities.

The organization does not charge for its services. Instead, members cover many expenses themselves, with the RCMP reimbursing fuel costs when the team is deployed on official searches.

Equipment and training come at a cost

Search and Rescue maintains a variety of specialized equipment, including boats, an ATV, trailers, generators, tents, radios and GPS units.

While the society regularly applies for provincial grants to help purchase equipment and support training, administration noted that funding is not guaranteed from year to year.

Earlier this year, the organization also received $4,000 through the M.D.’s Community Action Grant Program to purchase new search and rescue gear.

Joining the list of eligible organizations

The Community Association Operating Grant Program provides financial assistance to registered non-profit organizations that deliver important community services or infrastructure for M.D. residents.

Community organizations that do not own a hall are currently eligible to receive up to $5,000 annually through the program, subject to available funding and demonstrated financial need.

By adding Bonnyville Search and Rescue to the approved list, council recognized the organization’s role in providing an essential emergency service for the region while helping offset some of its annual operating costs.

The municipality’s current operating grant budget totals $575,000, with any additional funding for Search and Rescue expected to come from either the Community Action Grant Reserve or the Cash Flow Reserve, depending on council’s direction.