Emergency Operations Centre funding will improve capacity in Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

PORT ALBERNI – The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (ACRD) and the City of Port Alberni are pleased to announce they have received grant funding to support our efforts to improve regional emergency operations centre (EOC) capacity.

The ACRD Emergency Program and EOC provides service for Bamfield (Electoral Area A), Beaufort (Electoral Area B), Long Beach (Electoral Area C), Sproat Lake (Electoral Area D), Beaver Creek (Electoral Area E), Cherry Creek (Electoral Area F), and the City of Port Alberni.

The 2023 grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) is for $60,000 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

“When an emergency affects our communities, it is essential that we are ready to react and offer the services residents need at what might be a frightening time for them. This often requires coordination across the region,” explains Debbie Haggard, Vice-Chair of the ACRD Board of Directors. “We are thankful this funding provides us with an opportunity to purchase supplies and build capacity so that we are better equipped to open an Emergency Operations Centre.”

With the funding, the ACRD and the City of Port Alberni will be able to focus on building capacity within the region and ensuring they are prepared for an emergency that requires an EOC. The funds will be used for:
• Training for staff and emergency agencies
• Emergency operation centre equipment and office supplies
• Generators
• Shipping container for storage of emergency equipment

Emergencies are rarely restricted to just one community and often cross jurisdictional boundaries. This funding will strengthen the working relationships with partnering agencies, local governments, and stakeholders in an Emergency Operations Centre exercise to share knowledge and develop best practices.

“We know that strengthening pre-existing relationships with other organizations and government agencies through training and exercises will improve our ability to respond when the time comes,” says Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions. “Thanks to this funding from UBCM, we know we will be ready to respond when needed and will be able to offer residents of the region what they need.”

More information on the emergency services through the ACRD can be found at www.acrd.bc.ca/emergency-services.

For more information, please contact:
Heather Thomson, ACRD Communications Coordinator
250-206-5162 or hthomson@acrd.bc.ca

About the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District:
Established in 1966, the Alberni–Clayoquot Regional District is in the heart of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It encompasses more than 6,500 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 31,000. The ACRD consists of member municipalities Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, as well as Bamfield, Beaufort, Long Beach, Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek and Cherry Creek. It was also the first regional district to welcome full participation on the board from the Treaty First Nations of Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, Uchucklesaht Tribe Government and Toquaht Nation. The ACRD is within the territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nations. The ACRD is governed by a fourteen-member Board of Directors that represent the member jurisdictions. The regional district offices are in Port Alberni.