The Regional Emergency Program partners invite residents of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Electoral Areas East and West of the Regional District of Central Okanagan to participate in the Regional Evacuation Route Planning Initiative by completing a survey.
🗺️Regional Evacuation Route Planning Initiative
We’re working to make the evacuation process more streamlined, coordinated and safe for everyone in the Central Okanagan with the support of consultant, Acuere Consulting Traffic Analytics. Public input is essential to support the planning efforts that reflect local knowledge and circumstances, including considerations for areas with livestock or individuals with specific mobility requirements. This initiative is focused on strengthening our region’s ability to respond swiftly and safely during emergencies.
Take the survey!
Participants who complete the entire survey may choose to enter a prize draw for one of four $50 Visa Gift Cards at the end of the survey. See complete details in the survey link.
🚨When to evacuate
The decision to evacuate all or part of a community is never made lightly. If an emergency poses a threat to the safety and well-being of people, pets, and/or livestock, evacuations may be necessary, and in these situations, you play a key role. While emergency responders have a great responsibility to ensure evacuations are conducted in a timely and safe manner, it is essential that you are prepared in case you need to evacuate at a moment's notice.
Emergencies can happen quickly. Knowing how residents are likely to respond helps emergency teams:
- Define evacuation zones and timing
- Identify safe and efficient routes, supported by traffic control points
- Enhancing the Emergency Operations Centre’s ability to set timely trigger points
- Improve public awareness and readiness
📕Background
In 2022, Regional Emergency Program staff advanced emergency preparedness with the modernization of the Regional Evacuation Framework.
Several components of the framework have already been addressed, including the establishment of Muster Centres, traffic management planning, re-entry procedures and the development of tools such as responder apps and SMS alert systems. Building on this foundation, an update of the Regional Evacuation Route Plan will be completed this fall.
We invite you to stay informed and get involved. Together, these actions support the establishment of coordinated and safe evacuation routes for everyone in the Central Okanagan.
The feedback received will be reviewed to create an effective evacuation plan that incorporates input from first responders (RCMP, emergency medical services, and fire services), First Nations and traditional territories, subject matter experts and the community.
📢Evacuation terms
Depending on the severity of the situation, an Evacuation Alert or Order may be issued. It's important to understand the difference and to always follow the advice and direction of your local authorities.
- Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice
- Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately
- Tactical evacuation: This happens when a sudden threat to life requires immediate action and there is no time to prepare or issue written warnings. These types of evacuations are often coordinated by the RCMP or local police, with assistance from other agencies.
- Evacuation Rescinded: The risk to life and safety has now passed
To be ready, know your hazards and follow PreparedBC's guides to prepare yourself, family, home or business in case an evacuation is ordered.
📆Timeline
- Planning and Data Collection Phase: April 2025 - June 2025
- Public Engagement Phase: July 22, 2025 - August 4, 2025
- Draft Evacuation Route Plan Development: July - October/November 2025
- Final Evacuation Route Plan: Fall 2025
The Regional Emergency Program partners invite residents of Peachland, West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Kelowna, Lake Country, and the Electoral Areas East and West of the Regional District of Central Okanagan to participate in the Regional Evacuation Route Planning Initiative by completing a survey.
🗺️Regional Evacuation Route Planning Initiative
We’re working to make the evacuation process more streamlined, coordinated and safe for everyone in the Central Okanagan with the support of consultant, Acuere Consulting Traffic Analytics. Public input is essential to support the planning efforts that reflect local knowledge and circumstances, including considerations for areas with livestock or individuals with specific mobility requirements. This initiative is focused on strengthening our region’s ability to respond swiftly and safely during emergencies.
Take the survey!
Participants who complete the entire survey may choose to enter a prize draw for one of four $50 Visa Gift Cards at the end of the survey. See complete details in the survey link.
🚨When to evacuate
The decision to evacuate all or part of a community is never made lightly. If an emergency poses a threat to the safety and well-being of people, pets, and/or livestock, evacuations may be necessary, and in these situations, you play a key role. While emergency responders have a great responsibility to ensure evacuations are conducted in a timely and safe manner, it is essential that you are prepared in case you need to evacuate at a moment's notice.
Emergencies can happen quickly. Knowing how residents are likely to respond helps emergency teams:
- Define evacuation zones and timing
- Identify safe and efficient routes, supported by traffic control points
- Enhancing the Emergency Operations Centre’s ability to set timely trigger points
- Improve public awareness and readiness
📕Background
In 2022, Regional Emergency Program staff advanced emergency preparedness with the modernization of the Regional Evacuation Framework.
Several components of the framework have already been addressed, including the establishment of Muster Centres, traffic management planning, re-entry procedures and the development of tools such as responder apps and SMS alert systems. Building on this foundation, an update of the Regional Evacuation Route Plan will be completed this fall.
We invite you to stay informed and get involved. Together, these actions support the establishment of coordinated and safe evacuation routes for everyone in the Central Okanagan.
The feedback received will be reviewed to create an effective evacuation plan that incorporates input from first responders (RCMP, emergency medical services, and fire services), First Nations and traditional territories, subject matter experts and the community.
📢Evacuation terms
Depending on the severity of the situation, an Evacuation Alert or Order may be issued. It's important to understand the difference and to always follow the advice and direction of your local authorities.
- Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice
- Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately
- Tactical evacuation: This happens when a sudden threat to life requires immediate action and there is no time to prepare or issue written warnings. These types of evacuations are often coordinated by the RCMP or local police, with assistance from other agencies.
- Evacuation Rescinded: The risk to life and safety has now passed
To be ready, know your hazards and follow PreparedBC's guides to prepare yourself, family, home or business in case an evacuation is ordered.
📆Timeline
- Planning and Data Collection Phase: April 2025 - June 2025
- Public Engagement Phase: July 22, 2025 - August 4, 2025
- Draft Evacuation Route Plan Development: July - October/November 2025
- Final Evacuation Route Plan: Fall 2025
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