Upcoming changes to regional emergency management bylaw discussed

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore Committee of the Whole discussed the Regional Emergency Management bylaw during the meeting held April 10. 

David Sturgeon, fire chief for the Strathmore Fire department, presented before the committee a synopsis of the bylaw, as well as an associated update. 

“During our annual review of the bylaw and emergency plans with staff from Alberta Emergency Management Agency, (there were) suggested changes to the regional emergency management bylaw … the proposed changes outline the regional partnership procedures, the agency, the committee, and the roles and responsibilities tied to each,” he said. “(This ensures) greater clarity for all partners for their roles and responsibilities, should an incident occur.”

Some of the proposed changes include the removal of the planning and coordination group, which would be replaced by an already existing agency, as well as the addition of the City of Chestermere authority and responsibility of the Regional Emergency Management Committee, and authority and responsibility of the Regional Emergency Management agency.

Adding another partner to the organization serves to improve overall capacity to respond to large-scale emergencies and disasters by making available additional resources, while simultaneously expanding the network of personnel trained to operate in emergency situations.

The proposed changes aim to better align with the local Authority Emergency Management regulations, and the provincial Emergency Management Act. 

A draft of the proposed changes to the bylaw was provided to the committee via their meeting agenda.

It is noted in the report to the Committee of the Whole, staff from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency have reviewed and support the changes to the bylaw, which will allow for all participating partners to better collaborate on emergencies and provide assistance as requested, while also allowing the Town of Strathmore more singular autonomy when responding to local emergencies.

The Town of Strathmore is responsible for the direction and control of its emergency response, as is dictated by the Emergency Management Act. Periodic updates are necessary in order to ensure compliance with contemporary regulations. 

Regarding the City of Chestermere’s participation on the Regional Emergency Management Committee, Coun. Richard Wegener inquired as to whether the municipality has representation at the upcoming meeting, scheduled for April 25, particularly following the removal of several members from their council.

This was clarified that Chestermere’s CAO will be in attendance, however no members of their remaining council will be present. 

Upon receiving support from the Regional Advisory Committee, the proposed bylaw changes will be brought back before Town of Strathmore council to receive final approval.