Civic addressing project in Area B to improve emergency response and public safety

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is launching a civic addressing signage and installation project in Electoral Area B to enhance public safety, strengthen emergency response capacity, and improve access to essential services in rural communities.

At its June 25, 2025 meeting, the SLRD Board approved funding through the Area B Community Works Fund (previously Gas Tax Fund) to install standardized, bylaw-compliant civic address signs at approximately 260 rural properties in Electoral Area B. These properties are located in the Yalakom Valley, Texas Creek Road, Seton Portage and Highway 12 areas.

The importance of visible civic addressing in rural communities was underscored during the 2023 Casper Creek wildfire, where a lack of signage delayed efforts by first responders to notify residents of evacuation orders.

“In emergencies, every second counts,” said SLRD Board Chair Jen Ford. “This project will help ensure emergency responders can find rural homes quickly and safely, especially in low-visibility conditions or during high-risk events like wildfires. It also supports the SLRD’s Emergency Alert system, which relies on accurate GIS mapping to identify properties within evacuation alert or order areas.”

Clear address signage is required under SLRD Civic Addressing Regulatory Bylaw No. 1124-2009, which outlines standards for placement, visibility, and format. Having a civic address supports the connection of services such as telephone, electricity, internet, insurance, and deliveries.

Through this project in Electoral Area B, the SLRD will install reflective, standardized signage on a post near the property access point, bringing 260 properties into regulatory compliance. The assigned civic addresses will also be used to update regional emergency response and GIS systems. This project supports the SLRD’s strategic priority of Emergency Planning, Response and Recovery by improving the region’s ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.

There is no cost to property owners who live within the project area. A total of $30,859 has been allocated from the Area B Community Works Fund to support the purchase and installation of civic address signage. This funding falls under the “Disaster Mitigation” category, as the infrastructure helps reduce or eliminate long-term risks associated with natural disasters. Installations are set to begin in late summer 2025 and continue through the fall of 2025. Property owners will be notified prior to installation.

Residents outside of Area B, or residents not included in this project scope, may still apply for a civic address or signage through the SLRD Planning Department. Property owners can either request that the SLRD produce the sign on a cost-recovery basis or procure signage on their own, as long as it meets the posting guidelines outlined in the bylaw.

A civic address request form, posting guidelines, and more information about the project are available on the Civic Addressing project page on the SLRD website.

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About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is found within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), St'át'imc and Líl̓wat. Small parts of the SLRD also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka'pamux, Tsilhqot'in, and Secwepemc Nations. While the SLRD does not provide direct services to the residents of the First Nations communities located within the region, the organization is committed to enhancing relations with the Indigenous communities and First Nations within whose territories the SLRD operates.