REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: January 16th, 2019 Report No. CSS-19-002
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director, Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Request for Council Resolution in support of a Grant Application
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council support by way of resolution a $25,000 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Operations Centre and Training 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 “Emergency operations centres and training.”
The grant application requests funding for contracting the design of a functional exercise to test components of Esquimalt’s Emergency Response and Recovery Plan. This exercise will involve a scenario requiring physical evacuation of residents and result in activation of the Township’s Emergency Operation Centre, activation of the Emergency Social Services volunteer team and reception centre, and includes participation of emergency radio communications systems. The exercise scenario will require the participation of the Victoria Police department and Esquimalt Fire/Rescue in assisting with the evacuation of residents, as well as the Public Works department to manage traffic. The final scenario and outputs will be developed in conjunction with the selected consultant.
Regional partners will be invited to provide input, participate, and observe as necessary with learnings and tools shared with stakeholders, including Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, 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 our residents in recovery from emergencies.
2. Organizational Implications
Staff time will need to be allocated for the aforementioned exercise and overall project coordination. Staff will be required to administer the funding but the exercise design will be completed by a consultant. An EOC exercise will increase the capacity and ability of the Township to effectively respond to emergencies.
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 in the exercise design to ensure holistic organizational involvement. Members of the community will be engaged to participate in the functional exacuation exercise.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council support by way of resolution a $25,000 application for the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund - Emergency Operations Centre and Training 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.