REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: November 20, 2018 Report No. CSS-18-017
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Sara Jansen, Emergency Program Manager
SUBJECT:
Title
Community Emergency Preparedness Fund Application - Evacuation Route Planning streamEnd
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council support by way of resolution a $25,000 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Evacuation Route Planning stream, and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Emergency Program Act, RSBC 1996, c.111
Emergency Management Bylaw, 2015, No. 2853
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Continue working with government and school district stakeholders to promote positive relationships and advance issues impacting the community
-Promote emergency preparedness through shared initiatives and training
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 Esquimalt Emergency Program in the planning and research necessary to engage in a comprehensive evacuation route planning process with local and regional stakeholders. While the Township 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.
A Council resolution of support is a requirement of the funding application.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The CEPF is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of funding that can be used to enhance the resiliency of the Township of Esquimalt and ensure the safety of our residents through evacuation route planning and collaboration with regional partners.
2. Organizational Implications
Staff time will need to be allocated to contribute to research, updating of plans, and overall project coordination. Staff will be required to administer the funding but the overall project will be completed by a consultant. Exercises will take place to test any plans developed to strengthen organizational response to emergencies related to evacuations.
3. Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as 100% of the cost of eligible activities is contributed by the fund.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
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.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council 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.
2. That Council does not provide a resolution in support of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund application.