The City is declaring a state of local emergency to support public safety.
Further investigation into the landslide that occurred behind 738 Island Highway South on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, highlighted matters in need of further investigation that may pose risks to the surrounding area. In response, the City of Campbell River is declaring a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) as a temporary emergency measure to support public safety and ensure access to properties is available to the City. A temporary evacuation order has been put in place for 738 Island Highway South, and an evacuation alert for surrounding properties, including 758 Island Highway South. The evacuation order will be reviewed by City staff on January 20, 2023.
Under BC’s Emergency Program Act, a declared SOLE gives the City the authority to cause the evacuation of persons from the area and enter the area impacted.
“We recognize that a prolonged evacuation is difficult and that residents will be eager to get back into their homes,” says Drew Hadfield, Acting City Manager. “Our top priority is public safety, and while we are working diligently to get people home as soon as possible, we must first ensure that it is safe to do so. By declaring a State of Local Emergency we can make sure the City has the access and abilities it needs to do this necessary work and make sure the area is safe for residents to return.”
The City is working alongside the Strathcona Regional District and the Strathcona Regional District Emergency Support Service program (ESS) to ensure that supports are available to displaced residents. Professionally trained ESS staff and volunteers are on hand to support the basic needs of the people who have been displaced and those who could be as a result of the evacuation alert. A reception centre will be available in the Dogwood Room at the Strathcona Gardens on January 20, 2022, from 10 a.m. to four p.m. Residents of the evacuated building can contact ESS with any questions or support needed via email at campbellriveress@gmail.com or by calling 250-203-1972.
Security personnel hired by the City will continue to monitor the site during the SOLE activation. When activated, a SOLE is in place for 7 days, unless deactivated by the City. The City will continue to provide updates to the public as investigations continue and will alert the public of a SOLE deactivation or extension.
For the latest updates, visit www.campbellriver.ca.
EVACUATION ORDER AND ALERTS ISSUED AS INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE - NEWS RELEASE - JANUARY 2023
CR State of Local Emergency Task 22-0371 01-19-23
###
Contact: Drew Hadfield, Acting City Manager, City of Campbell River | 250-286-5783 | Drew.Hadfield@campbellriver.ca