Exercise Coastal Response – Public Information Session

What would happen if a megathrust earthquake and tsunami were to hit the Alberni Valley? The public is invited learn about this very real scenario at an information session on Tuesday, May 17th at 7:00 p.m. at the Capital Theatre.  A number of resource professionals with expertise in earthquake seismology, urban search and rescue, and emergency preparedness, will present information on the upcoming Exercise Coastal Response event and the impacts of a damaging crustal earthquake on southern Vancouver Island.   

“Exercise Coastal Response is going to be the first full-scale earthquake and tsunami response exercise with the real-time deployment of federal, provincial and local resources. This information session is a great opportunity to not only learn about this exciting event but also about how to prepare and protect yourself in the event a real disaster occurs,” said Russell Dyson, Chief Administrative Officer for the ACRD.     

Presentations will be provided by Alison Bird, a seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, by representatives of the provincial planning and design team for the exercise and also by Kirk Heaven, a member of Vancouver’s Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) task force. Members of the Exercise Coastal Response volunteer coordination team will also be in attendance to answer questions regarding volunteer opportunities during the exercise.     

Pre-registration for this free session is not required. The Capital Theater is located at 4904 Argyle St, next to City Hall.