Lethbridge County has announced a change to its emergency management program. (File photo: LNN)

By Justin Goulet

Six Southern Alberta communities forming regional emergency management team

Dec 21, 2022 | 11:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, AB – A change to emergency management is coming in some communities in Southern Alberta.

As part of the 2023 budget, Lethbridge County Council has approved its participation in a new regional emergency management program.

The new program, which will start to be implemented in the spring of 2023, will result in the County transitioning from its current emergency management structure to a new program joining the Towns of Coaldale, Picture Butte, Coalhurst and Nobleford, and the Village of Barons.

With the current model, each municipality has a designated Director of Emergency Management (DEM). The DEM is responsible for coordinating responses for larger-scale emergencies like wildfires, flooding, spills of hazardous materials, and other events that could affect public safety.

The new model will implement one DEM for the entire region, as well as an Emergency Management Coordinator to oversee operations for all six municipalities.

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The County notes that this new framework will reduce regional duplication of services and allow collective resources to be utilized more efficiently.

Reeve Tory Campbell said, “Participating in a regional emergency management program that includes urban neighbours within our boundaries will enhance the region’s and the County’s capacity and ability to provide a more comprehensive, coordinated, and effective response to major disasters.”

Lethbridge County CAO Ann Mitchell said, “We recognize the importance of having a coordinated response to emergency and disaster management.”

“With increases in severe weather and large-scale events in our province in recent years, emergency preparedness and management are as essential as ever,” Mitchell added.

She said, “This program will allow the County and our urban neighbours to manage potential disasters more effectively.”

The new regional emergency management program is only intended for large-scale events and will have no impact on the day-to-day provision of emergency services from fire departments, EMS, or the RCMP.

Funding for the new program is provided by each municipality. A provincial grant will be applied for to help offset costs.

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