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Wildfires are one of the highest-ranking hazards faced by the region. Given this growing concern, it is critical to develop an operational evacuation route plan, especially considering recent and potential seasonal drought, continuously warming climate and the many single road access communities that exist within the project area.
The planning process will consider many factors, including risk areas, population size and demographics, transportation resources and traffic management. Other considerations include evacuation route availability and capacity, communications, animal welfare, identification of vulnerable populations, immediate emergency actions, response and evacuation times, and time of year.
A Community Emergency Preparedness grant of $88,500 from the Government of British Columbia is fully funding this evacuation route planning project. The funding enables the project partners to identify strategies and alternate evacuation methods for a coordinated multi-agency evacuation response.
For more information about the project, evacuation planning resources and to sign up to receive project updates, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/evac-route-planning-eag-cop-toqb. To provide input through the survey until May 31, Electoral Area G residents can complete the survey on the evacuation project page. City of Parksville can complete the survey at parksville.ca and Town of Qualicum Beach residents can complete the survey at bit.ly/EvacuationRoutePlanningTQB.
Residents can also learn more and provide feedback at in-person pop-up community engagement sessions in May. Visit the evacuation project page for a list of events the project team will be attending.
Quotes
“There are several unique challenges when moving residents and animals to an area of safety during an emergency, particularly within an area that has both geographical and transportation route challenges. By developing a plan that identifies efficient and safe evacuation routes, we can help residents be better prepared to respond to an emergency evacuation.”
Lehann Wallace, Electoral Area G Director, Regional District of Nanaimo
“An evacuation route plan plays a key role in this region’s overall approach to emergency management and is a priority for our governments. Development of a plan will enhance emergency response and evacuation measures and assist in realizing emergency preparedness goals for our region. Although only one part of being prepared for potential disasters and emergencies, this project will help bring awareness to the importance of being prepared.”
Doug O’Brien, Mayor, City of Parksville
“Community safety depends on preparation, and evacuation planning is a critical part of that. With wildfire risks increasing, I encourage everyone in Qualicum Beach and the surrounding region to share their local knowledge and be part of shaping a plan that could save lives in an emergency.”
Teunis Westbroek, Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach
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