North Vancouver, Canada

Transcription

1 North Vancouver, Canada Local progress report on the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action ( ) Mayor: Darrell Mussatto Name of focal point: Dorit Mason Organization: North Shore Emergency Management Office Title/Position: Director address: Telephone: Reporting period: Last updated on: 22 September 2014 Print date: 22 September 2014 Reporting language: English A Local HFA Monitor update published by PreventionWeb Local Progress Report /29

2 Priority for Action 1 Ensure that disaster reduction is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation Core Indicator 1.1 National policy and legal framework for disaster risk reduction exists with decentralized responsibilities and capacities at all levels. How well are local organizations (including local government) equipped with capacities (knowledge, experience, official mandate) for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation? An inter-agency emergency planning working group meets regularly and includes stakeholders from various municipal departments, health authority, neighbouring municipal government, school district, first responders (Fire, Police, Ambulance), public safety lifeline volunteers (Search and Rescue, Emergency Social Services, Amateur Radio Operators, Emergency Preparedness Educators), social services agencies, etc. Municipal and Regional emergency plans outline roles and authorities to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. Department emergency plans identify specific tasks and areas of responsibility to carry out the operational aspects of emergency management. A newly formed municipal specific Emergency Planning Committee meets quarterly to work on internal emergency management issues. To what extent do partnerships exist between communities, private sector and local authorities to reduce risk? Local Progress Report /29

3 The City works closely with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, sharing best practices and assisting in the development of guidelines for professional practice. The City works with residents, private corporations and neighbouring government land owners to collectively reduce risk from landslides and forest fires by taking action to improve drainage on slopes and developing Initial Response Actions for urban interface wild fires. Related links > About NSEMO Core Indicator 1.2 Dedicated and adequate resources are available to implement disaster risk reduction plans and activities at all administrative levels. How far does the local government have access to adequate financial resources to carry out risk reduction activities? An annual budget is assigned to the Emergency Planning Committee to assess and manage risks. An annual budget is also assigned to the North Shore Emergency Management Office to develop municipal emergency plans, provide education for the public, businesses and municipal staff, and to maintain the Emergency Operations Centre facility in a state of readiness. Incentives are available to homeowners living on the crests of slopes to upgrade storm drainage systems (connecting hard surface drainage to the municipal storm drainage system.) Local Progress Report /29

4 To what degree does the local government allocate sufficient financial resources to carry out DRR activities, including effective disaster response and recovery? An annual municipal financial plan is created and includes an operational budget for North Shore Emergency Management Office. Capital requests are included when required in the budget process. During emergencies, Council can release funds to support response and recovery activities. The Province of British Columbia also supports response and recovery through a Disaster Financial Assistance program that covers up to 100% for response and 80% for recovery eligible items. Core Indicator 1.3 Community participation and decentralization are ensured through the delegation of authority and resources to local levels. How much does the local government support vulnerable local communities (particularly women, elderly, infirmed, children) to actively participate in risk reduction decision-making, policy making, planning and implementation processes? Community Planning staff are closely involved with vulnerable communities and consider their needs during planning and development. Through the development process, developers are encouraged to consider and include low cost housing in their developments. Local Progress Report /29

5 The region has a Cold weather response which includes emergency shelter during extreme cold events. The municipality plans for Hot weather incidents together with non profit organizations to support the community during these types of events. In addition, the North Shore Emergency Management Office has developed an initial response guide for extreme heat which identifies potable water locations, community facilities, water parks, etc. The City of North Vancouver provides grants to non profit organizations that support vulnerable citizens. To what extent does the local government provide training in risk reduction for local officials and community leaders? Level of Progress achieved: 5 North Shore Emergency Management Office offers Emergency Management training to staff and public safety lifeline volunteers to enable them to have the skills to respond during emergencies. Annually, emergency planning exercises are delivered to staff. Emergency exercises are held periodically, for example, a full scale, multi agency interface severe weather exercise Operation Slip & Slide was held in January Within the last year, the City was part of a research project to test decontamination of vulnerable individuals exposed to hazardous materials thereby furthering response protocols and enabling response staff to participate. Council members are invited to observe exercises. On a yearly basis, multiple modes of education, awareness and exercises will continue to be offered to City staff and to the public, including businesses. The City continues to look for and participate in opportunities to educate and train the staff, public and first responders. How regularly does the local government conduct awareness- Local Progress Report /29

6 building or education programs on DRR and disaster preparedness for local communities? Programs include cultural diversity issues Programs are sensitive to gender perspectives A variety of emergency preparedness workshops are offered to the public and business community through the North Shore Emergency Management Office. Extensive information regarding public safety and emergency preparedness is available on the City s website and the NSEMO website. The provincial government develops educational information available to the public at The community considers cultural diversity and gender perspectives whenever evacuees need assistance. In addition, our shelter facilities allow individuals to bring their pets so that they are willing to seek assistance; this message is delivered through website and training courses. Related links > BC Government Emergency Planning Core Indicator 1.4 A national multi-sectoral platform for disaster risk reduction is functioning. To what extent does the local government participate in the national DRR planning? Level of Progress achieved: 2 Local Progress Report /29

7 The North Shore Emergency Management Office has worked with Canada's Platform for Disaster Resiliency through a resiliency working group. In addition, the Office has provided input into a Canadian Disaster Resiliency tool. Local Progress Report /29

8 Priority for Action 2 Identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning Core Indicator 2.1 National and local risk assessments based on hazard data and vulnerability information are available and include risk. To what degree does the local government conducted thorough disaster risk assessments for key vulnerable development sectors in your local authority? A long series of reports analyzing the hazard, risk and vulnerability of the City to flooding, slope stability and debris flow have been conducted since 1999 and most recently in North Shore Emergency Management is working with the University of British Columbia s Earthquake Research Facility to better understand the potential impacts of earthquakes to our built environment. To what extent are these risk assessments regularly updated, e.g. annually or on a bi-annual basis? Level of Progress achieved: 3 Risk assessments are conducted on a regular basis, and/or during and after an emergency. Local Progress Report /29

9 How well are disaster risk assessments incorporated into all relevant local development planning on a consistent basis? the City incorporates risk assessments into community development. This includes decisions during conceptual development all the way through to completion of a project. Multiple departments are involved in the analysis and implementation. The Official Community Plan is in the final stages of adoption by Council and within this document, risk assessment concepts have been included in community profiles. As part of the research for this important document, a protective services paper was generated which outlined the future needs and vulnerabilities of the community from a response perspective. To what extent have local schools, hospitals and health facilities received special attention for "all hazard" risk assessments in your local authority? Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Schools and health care facilities are not under the mandate and jurisdiction of local government. However, the City works closely with these agencies to better understand strengths, vulnerabilities and anticipated needs in a disaster. Participation in joint Local Progress Report /29

10 exercises and emergency planning initiatives, through the North Shore Emergency Management Office, have strengthened these relationships. School District 44 has emergency plans in place for their facilities and practices regular emergency and earthquake drills. The local hospital has an emergency plan as part of Vancouver Coastal Health region. How safe are all main schools, hospitals and health facilities from disasters so that they have the ability to remain operational during emergencies? Level of Progress achieved: 3 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities Schools and health care facilities are not under the mandate and jurisdiction of local government. The School District, as part of the Provincial Ministry of Education, is undertaking seismic retrofits of its facilities. This is a long term project; however, a few schools on the North Shore have already been retrofitted. The hospital has undertaken some activities to increase their seismic safety. Core Indicator 2.2 Systems are in place to monitor, archive and disseminate data on key hazards and vulnerabilities. -- No questions related to local context -- Local Progress Report /29

11 Core Indicator 2.3 Early warning systems are in place for all major hazards, with outreach to communities. To what extent are early warning centres established, adequately staffed (or on-call personnel) and well resourced (power back ups, equipment redundancy etc) at all times? The North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) coordinates a telephonebased mass notification system which is an important component to alerting the public. The North Shore Emergency Management Office and the City have adopted social media as a means to provide information on preparedness, response and recovery to the public. The City has also created a series of YouTube videos demonstrating and explaining important emergency preparedness information. The City and NSEMO will continue to use and expand the use of social media and the websites to inform and educate the public. NSEMO ensures that the Emergency Operations Centre is maintained in a state of readiness. How much do warning systems allow for adequate community participation? Level of Progress achieved: 2 Local Progress Report /29

12 The telephone-based mass notification system allows residents to self register, otherwise their data is only accessed through the published local phone directory. The public can participate in social media and provide input during an emergency using this tool Core Indicator 2.4 National and local risk assessments take account of regional/trans-boundary risks, with a view to regional cooperation on risk reduction. How well are local government risk assessments linked to, and supportive of, risk assessments from neighbouring local authorities and state or provincial government risk management plans? Level of Progress achieved: 3 The City of North Vancouver works closely with the neighbouring municipalities through the coordination of the North Shore emergency Management Office which oversees this area through a tri-municipal agreement. The North Shore Emergency Management Office has participated in a regional hazard risk and vulnerability analsysis which was conducted by the Integrated Partnership on Regional Emergency Management (IPREM). IPREM is funded through local governments and the province and considered numerous hazards that could impact this area. Local Progress Report /29

13 Priority for Action 3 Use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels Core Indicator 3.1 Relevant information on disasters is available and accessible at all levels, to all stakeholders (through networks, development of information sharing systems, etc). How regularly does the local government communicate to the community, information on local hazard trends and risk reduction measures (e.g. using a Risk Communications Plan) including early warnings of likely hazard impact? Through the North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO), the local hazards and risks are communicated during training and on the local website In addition, social media is utilized during situations where the public should be made aware of dangers. For example, severe rain that can result in localized flooding and thereby increase the danger of high flowing rivers and creeks. The North Shore also has a Crisis Communications Plan that will be activated during emergencies to inform the public, evacuees, media, and internal staff on the emergency situation, the response activities, and actions that the citizens should take. On an annual basis, the City encourages citizens to participate in the Provincial earthquake drill called ShakeOut, held on the third Thursday of October. Core Indicator 3.2 School curricula, education material and relevant trainings include disaster risk reduction and recovery concepts and practices. Local Progress Report /29

14 To what degree do local schools and colleges include courses, education or training in disaster risk reduction (including climate related risks) as part of the education curriculum? Level of Progress achieved: 1 Schools and colleges are not under the jurisdiction of the local government. Schools provide annual exercises and training for students: fire drills, earthquake drills, lock-down drills. It is not part of their regular curriculum. Core Indicator 3.3 Research methods and tools for multi-risk assessments and cost benefit analysis are developed and strengthened. -- No questions related to local context -- Core Indicator 3.4 Countrywide public awareness strategy exists to stimulate a culture of disaster resilience, with outreach to urban and rural communities. -- No questions related to local context -- Local Progress Report /29

15 Reduce the underlying risk factors Priority for Action 4 Core Indicator 4.1 Disaster risk reduction is an integral objective of environment related policies and plans, including for land use, natural resource management and adaptation to climate change. How well integrated are local government DRR policies, strategies and implementation plans with existing environmental development and natural resource management plans? Level of Progress achieved: 5 8% of the City is wilderness. Forest ecosystem mapping and an ecosystem-based management framework were recently developed to assist the City in meeting one of the key goals of our Official Community Plan (OCP): to demonstrate environmental leadership. This is achieved in part by addressing the relationship between responsible urban development and local ecosystems, ultimately working to increase the quality and quantity of bird and urban wildlife habitat. The OCP includes provision for the acquisition of land in environmentally sensitive areas to increase the buffer against development and better adapt to the anticipated effects of climate change. Further, the City has adopted bylaws to protect the natural environment by limiting development near streams, implementing strict regulations regarding removal of trees, and requirements for managing surface water runoff. There is also provincial and federal legislation in place that helps to further protect ecosystems. How far do land use policies and planning regulations for housing and development infrastructure take current and projected disaster risk (including climate related risks) into account? Local Progress Report /29

16 Housing Communication Transportation Energy The City s Official Community Plan identifies sensitive habitat and includes goals and objectives aimed at their stewardship and enhancement. We have a staff member dedicated to environmental protection. The City has a Flood Management program and guidelines in place. CNV also requires developers to comply with the BC Building Code's requirements for Seismic Design of Houses. How well are risk-sensitive land use regulations and building codes, health and safety codes enforced across all development zones and building types? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Procedures are in place to ensure that qualified professionals assess applications for proposed development, taking into consideration natural hazards and risks. A policy for risk tolerance criteria was recently adopted and applicants are required to meet the criteria for new and re-development. A new, higher Flood Control Level is under consideration by Council which will ensure Local Progress Report /29

17 all habitable rooms are built above a certain level to avoid the dangers of flood risk. A new Official Community Plan (CCP), in the final stages of adoption, includes the identification of natural hazards with the use of Development Permit Areas to further regulate development in consideration of local hazard areas. New Official Community Plan policies also propose to ensure that there is the appropriate infrastructure and equipment to support the ability of public safety agencies to respond to the City s evolving built form and land use pattern. Any new buildings within the community are built to a building code and the requirements are listed within the OCP (Official Community Plan). There is a municipal building permit process that regulates the Provincial building code and local bylaws. How strong are existing regulations (e.g. land use plans, building codes etc) to support disaster risk reduction in your local authority? Level of Progress achieved: 5 The Official Community Plan outlines the mechanism to develop areas. Municipal bylaws create the mechanism to implement and enforce regulations. The focus of the plan and bylaws is not specifically disaster risk reduction; however, these concepts are incorporated into them. For example, it creates a standard for stream side protection which indirectly protects the community from flooding and landslide disasters. As mentioned above, the City of North Vancouver requires all new developments to comply with the 2012 Seismic Design for Houses, which is the first guide of its kind in Canada. Related links > Seismic Design of Houses To what degree does the local government support the restoration, Local Progress Report /29

18 protection and sustainable management of ecosystems services? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Forests Coastal zones Wetlands Water resources River basins Fisheries Through our Official Community Plan, it outlines the requirements to restore, protect, and manage our ecosystems. Municipal bylaws enable enforcement to protect the environment. In addition, we have dedicated staff to manage the environmental portfolio. Provincial and Federal legislation outline the requirements to protect the environment. In July 2000, the City adopted an Environmental Protection Program (EPP), which includes a strategy and action plan for protecting the environmental health of the community. The City has identified what are known as Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Budget allowances for a five-year period are included in the program and action plan. Regular updates to the Action Plan are timed with the City's budget process, while reviews and updates to the EPP occur once every five-years. Related links > Environmental Protection Plan How much do civil society organizations and citizens participate in the restoration, protection and sustainable management of ecosystems services? Local Progress Report /29

19 Citizens have the ability to participate in a Municipal Parks and Environment Advisory Committee. A local non profit organization is the North Shore Streamkeepers society which supports the restoration and maintenance of local streams. On an annual basis they conduct clean up opportunities for the community to get involved. For example, they participate in the "Great Canadian Clean-up" annually. As mentioned above, the City has an Environmental Protection Plan and Action Plan which calls for the City to integrate stewardship into existing systems and processes at City Hall and in the development process. The City participates annually in "World Rivers Day" in which private citizens are invited to come and remove invasive plants and to plant local species in the City's parks. Related links > Rivers Day How much does the private sector participate in the implementation of environmental and ecosystems management plans in your local authority? Level of Progress achieved: 5 Private sector organizations may be involved with support to the community. For example, local industry directly supports the Salmonid Program and the Coho Festival. The municipality can hire private sector organizations if required. Local Progress Report /29

20 The City's Environmental Protection Program (EPP) strives to promote community stewardship within the City of North Vancouver. In 2000, the EPP was developed and implemented with the assistance of a stewardship committee (the Environmental Protection Program Committee) as well as information received through Public Information Meetings and citizens' responses to questionnaires. Core Indicator 4.2 Social development policies and plans are being implemented to reduce the vulnerability of populations most at risk. What is the scope of financial services (e.g. saving and credit schemes, macro and micro-insurance) available to vulnerable and marginalised households for pre- disaster times? Level of Progress achieved: 2 Insurance is not within the jurisdiction of the municipality. Local insurance is available through insurance brokers. It is possible to purchase earthquake insurance, however this can be costly. In addition, tenants can purchase tenant insurance; however, many of the vulnerable and marginalized households do not have the capacity to purchase this insurance. To what extent are micro finance, cash aid, soft loans, lone guarantees etc available to affected households after disasters to restart livelihoods? Local Progress Report /29

21 The province provides a task number during and after an emergency which makes support of the response possible. This allows the municipality to provide short term lodging (up to 3 days), clothing, food, and other services to evacuees. Through the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance program, there is the ability to access funding support after a disaster to help with recovery. There are many local non profit organizations who come forward to help evacuees and provide items such as cash, food, furniture, clothing, and housing to impacted citizens. They can also support them from a psychosocial perspective. Core Indicator 4.3 Economic and productive sectorial policies and plans have been implemented to reduce the vulnerability of economic activities. How well established are economic incentives for investing in disaster risk reduction for households and businesses (e.g. reduced insurance premiums for households, tax holidays for businesses)? Level of Progress achieved: 1 There are currently no economic incentives for investing in disaster risk reduction. To what extent do local business associations, such as chambers of commerce and similar, support efforts of small enterprises for business continuity during and after disasters? Local Progress Report /29

22 The North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) has developed a Business and Employer's Emergency Program and has been reaching out to the Chambers of commerce, local shopping malls, and larger businesses to encourage action towards becoming disaster resilient and continuing their business. This program has just started and we are anticipating further engagement in the upcoming year. This will be an ongoing project of NSEMO and the City of North Vancouver. Core Indicator 4.4 Planning and management of human settlements incorporate disaster risk reduction elements, including enforcement of building codes. How adequately are critical public facilities and infrastructure located in high risk areas assessed for all hazard risks and safety? Through our asset management program, assets are reviewed and maintained. An annual budget helps to support ongoing maintenance. When required, budgets are requested that allow for upgrades and replacement. The North Shore Emergency Management Office is in the process of doing an earthquake risk analysis which will help to provide information to facilities management. Utility companies (not under the jurisdiction of the municipality) have their own asset management program. How adequate are the measures that are being undertaken to protect critical public facilities and infrastructure from damage during Local Progress Report /29

23 disasters? The City has an asset management program which has identified municipal infrastructure. As funds are available, retrofits and replacements of critical facilities occur. In addition, utility organizations (such as BC Hydro) also have their own asset management programs. Core Indicator 4.5 Disaster risk reduction measures are integrated into post disaster recovery and rehabilitation processes. How well are disaster risk reduction measures integrated into postdisaster recovery and rehabilitation activities (i.e. build back better, livelihoods rehabilitation)? The Official Community Plan (OCP) outlines how with all new developments and renovations, building must meet current code and safety standards. After an emergency, these activities would be considered to help the community recover better. Core Indicator 4.6 Local Progress Report /29

24 Procedures are in place to assess the disaster risk impacts of major development projects, especially infrastructure. To what degree do local government or other levels of government have special programs in place to regularly assess schools, hospitals and health facilities for maintenance, compliance with building codes, general safety, weather-related risks etc.? Level of Progress achieved: 3 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities The municipality has no jurisdiction over schools and hospitals. These organizations have their own internal asset management programs. Local Progress Report /29

25 Priority for Action 5 Strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels Core Indicator 5.1 Strong policy, technical and institutional capacities and mechanisms for disaster risk management, with a disaster risk reduction perspective are in place. -- No questions related to local context -- Core Indicator 5.2 Disaster preparedness plans and contingency plans are in place at all administrative levels, and regular training drills and rehearsals are held to test and develop disaster response programmes. How regularly are training drills and rehearsal carried out with the participation of relevant government, non-governmental, local leaders and volunteers? Level of Progress achieved: 5 North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO) offers Emergency Management training to staff and public safety lifeline volunteers to enable them to have the skills to respond during emergencies. Annually, emergency planning exercises are delivered to staff. NSEMO is using social media to encourage the public to prepare for emergencies Emergency exercises are held periodically, for example, a full scale, multi agency interface severe weather exercise Operation Slip & Slide was held in January Another exercise is planned for November Within the last year, the City was part of a research project to test decontamination of Local Progress Report /29

26 vulnerable individuals exposed to hazardous materials thereby furthering response protocols and enabling response staff to participate. In addition NSEMO, supported a street soccer tournament for homeless or at risk individuals by providing group lodging. This gave NSEMO an opportunity to practice providing services to people in a similar manner if they were evacuees. Related links > North Shore Emergency Management Office How available are key resources for effective response, such as emergency supplies, emergency shelters, identified evacuation routes and contingency plans at all times? Stockpiles of relief supplies Emergency shelters Safe evacuation routes identified Contingency plan or community disaster preparedness plan for all major hazards the North Shore Emergency Management Office maintains an emergency plan for the City of North Vancouver. This plan allows for integration with the two neighbouring communities. Community buildings have been identified as reception and group lodging facilities for evacuees. A stockpile of 140 cots are maintained on the North Shore. A 200 bed hospital and 5 casualty collection units are stored on the North Shore - this Federal resource can be utilized when needed. Disaster response routes are identified which would be used to move responders and resources through the community. Although these have not been specified for evacuation routes, it is possible that these same routes would be used to move citizens out of an area. Local Progress Report /29

27 To what extent does the local government have an emergency operations centre (EOC) and/or an emergency communication system? Level of Progress achieved: 5 The North Shore Emergency Management Office (NSEMO)maintains an operationally ready Emergency Operations Center. Staff are regularly trained and exercised so that they understand their roles and responsibilities during an emergency. There is a telephone based mass communications system that is maintained by NSEMO and funded by local industry. How aware are citizens of evacuation plans or drills for evacuations when necessary? Level of Progress achieved: 2 the North Shore Emergency Management Office provides free public education on emergency response. Evacuating homes and taking emergency supplies is a component of this training. There is no statistics available on how many citizens are prepared or know how to evacuate. There would be significant 'just in time' delivery of this type of information during an emergency. To what degree does the Contingency Plan (or similar plan) include an outline strategy for post disaster recovery and reconstruction, including needs assessments and livelihoods rehabilitation? Local Progress Report /29

28 Level of Progress achieved: 2 The North Shore Emergency Management Office is in the initial stages of developing an recovery plan. This significant project has many components and at the moment there is a focus on shelter capability for citizens after an emergency. This is an ongoing project. How far are regular disaster preparedness drills undertaken in schools, hospitals and health facilities? Level of Progress achieved: 3 Schools Hospitals/ health facilities The municipality has no jurisdiction over schools or hospitals/health facilities. School District 44 does regular earthquake, fire and lock down drills. Core Indicator 5.3 Financial reserves and contingency mechanisms are in place to support effective response and recovery when required. To what degree do local institutions have access to financial reserves to support effective disaster response and early recovery? Local Progress Report /29

29 Powered by TCPDF ( Level of Progress achieved: 3 It is unknown what financial reserves are available for local institutions. The City has the capability of accessing its own reserves for emergency response and recovery under the direction of Council. How much access does the local government have to resources and expertise to assist victims of psycho-social (psychological, emotional) impacts of disasters? Canada has a public health care system and these services could be accessed through this. In addition, the Province has a psycho-social program which the municipal could access. In addition for municipal staff we haven employee counselling and assistance program. Core Indicator 5.4 Procedures are in place to exchange relevant information during hazard events and disasters, and to undertake post-event reviews. -- No questions related to local context -- Local Progress Report /29