Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

During an emergency, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activated to coordinate the District’s overall response during significant emergencies or disasters.

Its purpose is to coordinate, communicate, and connect the many people and organizations working to keep our community safe.

Key EOC responsibilities include:

• Coordinating response efforts between departments, agencies, and volunteers
• Supporting first responders with logistics, resources, and communication
• Sharing public information through trusted and timely updates
• Managing recovery planning, including cleanup, infrastructure repair, and community support after an event
• Documenting and learning from each event to strengthen future preparedness

Levels of Activation

Not every emergency requires a full activation. The EOC scales up or down depending on the size and complexity of the situation.

Each level brings together the people, tools, and expertise needed to manage the event safely and effectively.

Location and Readiness

The District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) can be activated within minutes at a secure, equipped location inside Municipal Hall - or another designated facility if required.

It’s important to know that the EOC is a central coordination hub, not a public reception centre. This means it’s where staff and partner agencies work together to manage the emergency response, not where residents go for shelter or in-person support.

If you are evacuated or need assistance, you will be directed to a Reception Centre through official alerts, signage, or emergency responders on site. Reception Centres are operated by the District’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) team and provide food, lodging, and other supports to affected residents.

Inside the EOC, trained staff coordinate the overall response - sharing information, managing logistics, and supporting responders in the field. The space includes:

• Reliable communications and technology systems
• Backup power and connectivity
• Workstations for operations, planning, logistics, and finance functions

EOC staff participate in ongoing training, regional exercises, and scenario planning throughout the year. These activities build local capacity, strengthen relationships with partners, and continually improve how the community prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies.