Emergency program split

By Kate Bouey - CASTANET Aug 12, 2016 / 5:00 am

Vernon's emergency preparedness is “top notch” despite the impending break up of a regional program, according to Mayor Akbal Mund. “We're going to run it as we always did,” said Mund. “Our emergency services are top notch.” Despite plaudits when the program began in 2010, the inter-municipal emergency program (IEP), run by co-ordinator Helen Sinclair from the City of Vernon, ends on Dec. 31. The IEP provides operational support to first responders in the North Okanagan, including fire, police, ambulance and public works during major incidents. Earlier this week, the District of Coldstream took the step of hiring its first protective services co-ordinator. Matthew Treit takes on the role effective Sept. 8. “He's taking on many tasks,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick, of Treit's role. “He will have the same role as Helen Sinclair and will also do fire inspections, among other things. We have blended a lot of tasks into one job.” Armstrong Mayor Chris Pieper, chairman of the Emergency Services committee, points the finger at Coldstream and the North Okanagan Regional District for first deciding to leave the program – leaving Lumby,

https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/adopted_2016-2020_financial_plan.pdf P.164-165

Armstrong, Enderby and Spallumcheen trying to decide what to do. “We got together and asked 'what should we do' and, in the end, dissolved the function. We decided everybody will go their own way,” said Pieper. “It is nothing about poor service. It has been extremely well done.” Pieper is not worried his area would be unprepared in the event of disaster. “We all have mutual aid agreements. If somebody needs help, they come. It's happened before and it could happen again,” he said. “God forbid a Fort McMurray could happen here but if it did we would come together instantly. All it takes are a couple of phone calls.” Mund agreed, but added that once the service ends, other communities will have to pay for that additional help. “In a major catastrophe, it could end up costing the smaller municipalities more.” Meanwhile, Sinclair has been helping communities set up their own programs. The many volunteers who take part in times of emergency are being asked to register with their municipalities, she said.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Good Emergency Response Resources (From Dist. of Coldstream's website)


Disaster Financial Assistance FAQ'S
Emergency Preparedness Resources

• PreparedBC:  Household Emergency Plan
• PreparedBC:  Basic Emergency Supply Kit
• PreparedBC:  Household Preparedness Guide
• PreparedBC:  In It Together:  Neighbourhood Preparedness Guide

Township joins withdrawal plan

by Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 13, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The Township of Spallumcheen plans to join other North Okanagan communities in withdrawing from the inter-municipal emergency operation service. The service currently consists of the City of Vernon, the District of Coldsream, Village of Lumby, Spallumcheen, City of Armstrong, City of Enderby and the Regional District of North Okanagan. A new five-year agreement approved by the partners began Jan. 1, 2015. “There was a personnel change in the service in 2015 which resulted in an evaluation of the service by the manager,” said Corey Paiement, township chief administrative officer. “The manager recently explained the changes that occurred in 2015 and recommended that an additional staff position be created for 2016.” RDNO and Coldstream responded by initiating the process for each partner to withdraw from the service. “Each is choosing to do that because there is uncertainty about how that service will function and who will pay what should there be any partners remaining,” said Paiement. The township would have to give two years notice of its plan to withdraw by the end of 2015. Asked by Coun. Todd York to clarify that the township will still be covered in case of an emergency, Paiement stated that would be the case. “The current service overlaps,” he said. “It will be two years to determine how each community or group of communities will provide emergency management service in the North Okanagan. That could take on any number of forms, but two years should provide ample opportunity for that to occur.” A new service would have to be in place by Jan. 1, 2018. Spallumcheen council is expected to adopt a withdrawal notice bylaw before Dec. 15.

"Sandbags Are Available To North Okanagan Residents"

With the current snow melt and warm weather in the forecast, North Okanagan residents are reminded that they are responsible for all measures required for flood protection of private property. To assist property owners who may experience flooding, communities of the North Okanagan in conjunction with North Okanagan Emergency Management have implemented a comprehensive Sand Bag program.
The locations for sand and sand bags are as follows, residents are reminded to bring their own shovels:
Armstrong - for sand and sand bags call 250.546.3023 (same number for after hours)
Coldstream - sand and sand bags located at 2 locations:

• Kalamalka Rd, across from Postill Drive
• Lavington Area - School Road across from Jeffers Park
• For emergencies call Public Works at 250.550.1505 during work hours or 250.545.5304 after hours

Enderby - sand and sand bags located at Public Works yards 2309 McGowan St. For after hours call 250.838.7230.
Lumby - sand and sand bags located in gravel parking lot across from Lumby Arena/Curling Rink parking lot located at 2230 Shields Ave. For after hours please call 250.547.2160.
RDNO - Sand Bags only located outside gates at the Fire Training Centre - 300 Pottery Rd. Call 250.550.3731 during work hours.
Spallumcheen - sand and sand bags located outside gate of Public Works yards located at 1511 Eagle Rock Rd. For after hours please call 250.546.3013
Vernon: Sand and sandbags located at two locations:
•    Vernon City Yards – outside main gate on Pleasant Valley Road
•    Corner of Okanagan Ave. and Okanagan Landing Rd
Sand Bags available at two locations
•    Work Hours - City Yards 1900 48th Ave.
 •    After Hours – Vernon Fire Hall 3401 30th St.

News Release Document - 31 Kb PDF