The Barriere First Responders Society has received a grant to cover most of the cost for a new ambulance.

The society has received $87,500 from the BC Community Gaming Grant fund.

First responders vice president Drew McMartin says their current ambulance was donated five years ago and could use replacement.

“It’s now getting to an age where the maintenance costs are outweighing the benefit of that vehicle. For us, it’s a huge need to get the new ambulance.”

He says the society’s role in the area is also crucial.

“Barriere being a small community, it only has one ambulance staffed by BC Ambulance. So there’s a lot of times they’ll receive a call out, and the next available ambulance will be 45 minutes away.”

McMartin says the ambulance will cost just over $90,000 dollars and the society is still fundraising for the last $3,500.

He says the society should have the ambulance by the end of January, which is coming from Malley Industries in New Brunswick.