Staff Report - Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Application (Evacuation Route Planning)

Background

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs intended to enhance the resiliency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies. Funding is provided by the Province of BC and is administered by Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The funding stream being applied for is “Evacuation Route Planning.”

The grant application requests funding for a consultant(s) to assist the Langford Emergency Program in the planning and research necessary to engage in a comprehensive evacuation route planning process with local and regional stakeholders. While the City has an evacuation plan, it requires updating. A portion of the funding will be allocated to research and consultation with the aim of developing an evacuation route framework for the entire region to recognize that evacuation planning cannot take place without collaborating with our local authority partners.

Other local governments in the Capital Region that are applying for the grant have also agreed to allocate a portion of successful funding to a regional evacuation route planning initiative. Regional partners will be invited to provide input, participate, and observe as necessary with learnings, plans, and tools shared with stakeholders, including Capital Region local authorities and the Province.

The CEPF is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of funding that can be used to enhance the resiliency of the City of Langford and ensure the safety of our residents through evacuation route planning and collaboration with regional partners.

Staff from relevant departments will be consulted during the planning process to ensure holistic organizational involvement. Public education materials that are developed through the planning process will be distributed and shared with residents.

A Council resolution of support is a requirement of the funding application.

Financial Implications

There are no direct financial implications as 100% of the cost of eligible activities is contributed by the fund.

Recommendations

That Council:

a) Support, by way of resolution, a $25,000 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund – Evacuation Planning Stream, and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application; or

b) Not provide a resolution in support of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund application.

Respectfully submitted,
Submitted by:
Chris Aubrey, Fire Chief

Concurrence:
Matthew Baldwin, MCIP, RPP Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Cory Manton, Manager of Parks and Recreation
Concurrence:
Michelle Mahovlich, P.Eng, P.Geo, Director of Engineering
Concurrence:
Leah Stohmann, MCIP, RPP, Deputy Director of Planning
Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services
Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer