2016 was active for the SLRD emergency program.
You can download the Emergency Program's Annual Report by clicking the purple banner to the right.
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District encompasses a dynamic and environment with communities spread over a considerable geographic distance, many with limited road access and telecommunications infrastructure.
That makes it a lively place for an Emergency Management team to oversee.
The SLRD’s Emergency Operations Centre was activated three times in 2016 - primarily in response to flooding and debris flows.
Risk potential from changing hazards was also a focus, with volcanic activity recorded on Mt Meagher, significant movement at the 10 Mile Slide north of Lillooet, and increased rock fall observed from Mt Currie.
The emergency program encourages all residents to sign up to SLRD Alert to receive emergency alerts and information in their area.
An amended Special Events Bylaw was drafted to reinforce public safety for large gatherings. Events like the Pemberton Valley Music Festival continue to grow as people are drawn to the outstanding natural landscape, and promoting public safety through appropriate planning and process is part of the emergency program.
The SLRD provided feedback and input, with other local authorities, to proposed amendments to the BC Emergency Program Act, the umbrella legislation for how emergency programs in the province operate.
A review of how fire services are delivered was conducted with community input, and the results of this review are now being consolidated with a view to updating the Fire Protection Services Regulation Bylaw in 2017.
Wildland interface fire risk has continued to be topical for residents. The emergency program has been promoting the Canadian FireSmart initiative where communities can receive FireSmart recognition through undertaking activities that reduce the risk of interface fire.
In June, the SLRD added a permanent part time Emergency Management Analyst to the Emergency Program. This role focuses on policy and planning, particularly direct planning with communities to develop tailored emergency plans for use in the community, by the community.
Evacuation was a planning focus in 2016. As part of a 10-member BC local authority working group, the SLRD emergency program provided leadership and input to the development of shared processes, messaging and resource development for a shared approach to evacuation and the safe return of residents to their homes.
Looking ahead to 2017, the SLRD emergency program will continue to focus on improving disaster preparedness, response and recovery, explore options for mitigation, and also work directly with community groups on resident-led emergency response processes and disaster resilience