meeting documents emergency management program … · 5/18/2017 · 1. 2016/01/01 brampton caledon...

THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PEEL

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE AGENDA EMPC - 1/2017 DATE: Thursday, May 18, 2017 TIME: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM LOCATION: Regional Council Chamber, 5th Floor Regional Administrative Headquarters 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A Brampton, Ontario MEMBERS: F. Dale; A. Groves; J. Innis; S. McFadden; M. Medeiros; M. Palleschi; K. Ras; P. Saito; J. Tovey Chaired by Councillor A. Groves or Vice-Chair Councillor K. Ras 1.

DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

2.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

3.

DELEGATIONS

4.

REPORTS

4.1. Regional Fire Coordinator 2016 Annual Report (For information)

4.2. Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management Update on the Review of the Emergency Management Branch and Compliance Guidelines (For information)

4.3. Overview of Regional Emergency Management's 2017 Program Activities (For information)

4.4. Provincial Disaster Recovery and Assistance Programs (Guidelines and Limitations)

4.5 9-1-1 Annual Report (For information)

5.

COMMUNICATIONS

6.

IN CAMERA MATTERS

EMPC - 1/2017 -2- Thursday, May 18, 2017

7.

OTHER BUSINESS

8.

NEXT MEETING Thursday, December 7, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Regional Administrative Headquarters Council Chamber, 5th Floor 10 Peel Centre Drive, Suite A Brampton, Ontario

9.

ADJOURNMENT

REPORT Meeting Date: 2017-05-18

Emergency Management Program Committee

For Information

DATE: May 10, 2017

REPORT TITLE: REGIONAL FIRE COORDINATOR 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM: Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services

OBJECTIVE

To inform of the annual Fire Coordinators report from Michael Clark, Fire Chief, City of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, attached as Appendix I to the report of the Commissioner of Corporate Services, titled “Regional Fire Coordinator 2016 Annual Report”. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

The Fire Coordinator program assists in ensuring that the most efficient, effective and coordinated response is utilized to mitigate emergency situations.

The position of Regional Fire Coordinator rotates among the three Fire Chiefs of Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga.

Darryl Bailey, Fire Chief, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, has assumed the role of the Regional Fire Coordinator for 2017.

DISCUSSION 1. Background

The role of the Regional Fire Coordinator rotates among the three municipal Fire Chiefs. While, one Chief is fulfilling the role of Regional Fire Coordinator, the other two are deemed

to be Deputy Regional Fire Coordinators and can assist as necessary.

The role of the Regional Fire Coordinator includes:

Coordinating local municipal fire plans;

Ensuring that local municipal fire plans conform to the Regional Emergency Plan;

Monitoring and maintaining both physical and human resources during an emergency event;

Ensuring ongoing communication among local municipal fire services;

Coordinating communication links with Regional services; and,

Preparing an annual report on mutual aid activities.

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REGIONAL FIRE COORDINATOR 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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2. 2016 Annual Fire Coordinators Report Findings

Attached as Appendix I is the report of Fire Chief Clark delivered pursuant to the mandate of the Regional Fire Coordinator.

3. 2017 Regional Fire Coordinator

The role of the Regional Fire Coordinator for 2017 will be staffed by Darryl Bailey, Fire Chief, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services. Chief Bailey will serve in this role until December 31, 2017. During 2017, both Chief Michael Clarke (Brampton Fire and Emergency Services) and Chief Tim Beckett (Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services) will serve as Deputy Regional Fire Coordinators.

Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services Approved for Submission:

D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer APPENDICES

Appendix I - Report from Michael Clark – Fire Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services For further information regarding this report, please contact Richard Gibson, Manager, Regional Emergency Management, ext. 4456, [email protected]. Authored By: Richard Gibson, Manager, Regional Emergency Management

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APPENDIX I Page 1 of 3 May 4, 2017 2016 REGIONAL FIRE COORDINATORS REPORT

TO: Chair and Members of Regional Council

FROM: Michael Clark

Brampton Fire & Emergency Services

2016 Regional Fire Coordinator

DATE: January 17, 2017

RE: 2016 Annual Fire Coordinators Report

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the report titled “2016 Annual Fire Coordinators Report” be received for information.

BACKGROUND:

The following resolution was adopted by Regional Council on December 15th 2005:

That the position of Regional Fire Coordinator be continued pursuant to the mandate of the

Regional Corporation under the Emergency Management Act R.S.O. 1990 c E.9, as amended,

and its power as natural person under the Municipal Act, 2001 to appoint such Officers and

employees as it deems necessary.

The position of Regional Fire Coordinator rotates between the Fire Chiefs of the three

municipalities located within the Region on an annual basis. Fire Chief Tim Beckett (City of

Mississauga) was the Regional Fire Coordinator for 2015, Fire Chief Michael Clark (City of

Brampton) was the Regional Fire Coordinator for 2016, and Acting Fire Chief Darryl Bailey

(Town of Caledon) assumed the position on January 1st, 2017. When the Fire Chiefs are not

acting in the capacity of Regional Fire Coordinator, they are designated as alternate Fire

Coordinators to act in the absence of the Fire Coordinator.

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MUTUAL AID ACTIVITIES IN 2016

There were 30 formal mutual aid requests in 2016. The following table details the requests.

DATE RESPONDING MUNICIPALITY REQUESTING MUNICIPALITY

1. 2016/01/01 Brampton Caledon

2. 2016/01/28 Orangeville Caledon

3. 2016/01/26 Caledon Orangeville

4. 2016/02/05 Caledon Brampton


6. 2016/02/17 Erin Caledon








14. 2016/05/03 Caledon Mono Twp.


16. 2016/05/05 Vaughan Brampton





21. 2016/06/17 Brampton Vaughan

22. 2016/07/01 Caledon Adjala Twp.


24. 2016/07/16 Vaughan Caledon


26. 2016/07/22 Brampton Vaughan





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OTHER ACTIVITIES

Conferences

Fire Chief Michael Clark and Fire Chief David Forfar (former Caledon Fire Chief) attended the

Annual Fire Co-ordinators Seminar at the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst February 2016.

Committees/Meetings

The Regional Fire Chiefs of all three municipalities are active members of the Regional

Emergency Services Coordinating Unit (RESCU). This Committee met on June 16 and

September 22, with the main topics of discussion being unified command, communications

interoperability and the Hickory Drive, Mississauga natural gas explosion.

All three Fire Chiefs also are members of the Joint Fire Communications Centre (JFCC)

Advisory Panel. This Committee met on January 18 and June 8. Some of the main topics

discussed were the renewal of the JFCC lease agreement, computer aided dispatch (CAD)

replacement project and the JFCC back-up centre.

New Acting Fire Chief in the Town of Caledon

In October 2016, Darryl Bailey was appointed Acting Fire Chief for Caledon Fire and Emergency

Services replacing retired Fire Chief Dave Forfar.

The Mutual Aid Fire Services within the Region of Peel would like to thank Peel Regional

Council, each Municipal Council and associated staff for their support for 2016. The Regional

Fire Chiefs are committed to working together to ensure the ongoing safety and protection of all

the residents of the Region of Peel.

Sincerely,

Michael Clark

Fire Chief

Brampton Fire and Emergency Services

2016 Regional Fire Coordinator

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For Information

DATE: May 2, 2017

REPORT TITLE: OFFICE OF THE FIRE MARSHAL AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

UPDATE ON THE REVIEW OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BRANCH AND COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES


OBJECTIVE

To provide information on the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services comprehensive review of Emergency Management in Ontario and a summary of the new annual compliance guidelines released by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

The report outlines provisions within the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Compliance Guideline that provide further clarification and direction at the Regional level.

A status update is also provided on the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services program review of Ontario’s Emergency Management Branch.


The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services continues to move forward in the review of the Emergency Management Branch as well as providing compliance guidelines to support ministries and municipalities. The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act enacted in 1990, establishes the Province’s legal basis and framework for managing emergencies. The Ontario Regulation 380/04 establishes the minimum standards for emergency management programs required by municipalities and provincial ministries. To further assist municipalities’ understanding of the legislation, new compliance guidelines have been released.

2. Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act Compliance Guide for Municipalities

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (the Act) and its supporting Regulation 380/04 (O Reg 380/04) include a number of requirements for both ministries and municipalities. This new compliance guide provides municipalities with information to assist in meeting the requirements. The Region of Peel continues to achieve annual compliance under the Act and has received

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OFMEM UPDATE ON THE REVIEW OF THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BRANCH AND COMPLIANCE GUIDELINES

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written confirmation of this from the Provincial government. Although, Regional Emergency Management is quite versed with both the Act and Regulation, there are two areas within the Compliance Guide for 2017 which provide additional clarification and is worth noting. The first area is related to conformity with an upper-tier plan. In Section 5 of the Act, it states:

“5. The emergency plan of a lower-tier municipality in an upper-tier municipality, excluding a county, shall conform to the emergency plan of the upper-tier municipality and has no effect to the extent of any inconsistency…”

The Regional Municipality of Peel and the local municipalities of the City of Brampton, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga would constitute as an upper-tier and lower-tier municipal relationship. This excerpt from the legislation has existed, although it has not been previously stipulated as a requirement to meet annual compliance. The new guidelines state that to verify compliance under the Act for the municipal emergency plan, the Office of the Fire Marshall Emergency Management (OFMEM) requests the following: “verification that the plan contains the required components of conformity with the plan of an upper-tier municipality”. A number of other requirements are stipulated; however this is the one area to our knowledge that has not been formally incorporated at the local municipal level. Communication between the Region and the local municipalities continues to move forward through the Mutual Assistance Agreement discussions. If a formal conformity of the lower-tier to upper-tier plan is required, Regional Emergency Management will work with the local municipalities Community Emergency Management Coordinator’s (CEMC) and offer assistance where needed to ensure compliance is met at both levels. The second area of the compliance guide that has direct impact to the Region is regarding the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) training requirements. On January 9, 2017 the Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management Ontario issued a guidance document that stated:

“In addition, all members of the MECG, as designated under O Reg 380/04, s. 12, are required to complete a minimum of four hours of annual training. This training must be related to their responsibilities as members of the MECG. Furthermore, the MECG members must complete at least 4 hours of training in 2017. Note that participating in an exercise is not considered to be training. These 4 hours must be spent purely in training.”

In previous years, OFMEM would recognize MECG’s contributions during an emergency exercise toward the 4 hours of mandatory training. Based on the compliance guidelines, this will no longer be accepted. Regional Emergency Management will continue to work with our MECG (Policy Group) to coordinate and lead appropriate training for 2017, in addition to Regional exercises.

For the full text of the Compliance Guide refer to Appendix I.

4.2 - 2


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3. Provincial Emergency Management Review

As indicated in the report from the Commissioner of Corporate Services, presented at the November 17, 2016 Emergency Management Program Committee Meeting, titled “The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management – Restructuring and Emergency Management Review”, the intent of the emergency management review is to focus on ongoing improvement, protecting public safety and adapting to the impacts of climate change. OFMEM has made it clear they intend to collaborate and engage stakeholder groups by various means which includes outreach to municipal Community Emergency Management Coordinators (CEMCs) and establishment of a Stakeholders Consultation Group.

The review has been undertaken by a third party consultant and has a target completion timeline of Spring 2017. It is to include an examination of the provincial emergency management systems and current structure, including a review of current programs, policies and governance (legislation and standards). To date, numerous interviews have been conducted by the Consultant with Ministry staff as well as municipal CEMC’s across the province.

Regional Emergency Management is an active member of the Regional and Single Tier Municipalities Community Emergency Management Coordinators Committee (Committee) and during the January, 2017 meeting some municipalities advised that they were being interviewed/surveyed. Based on the questions tabled to certain municipalities it appears the focus of the review has changed and is now looking at programs and activities that Ontario municipalities deliver rather than the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Emergency Management Branch itself. The Committee raised a number of concerns and identified numerous issues that they hope the review will address. To ensure these concerns are heard, the Committee intends to share the information gathered with OFMEM directly.

Based on the limited information disseminated to the municipal CEMC’s by the OFMEM, it is unclear whether the target timeline of spring 2017 is still valid.

CONCLUSION

Regional Emergency Management will ensure that EMPC is informed of any developments related to the Emergency Management review and any related implications for the Region of Peel.

As well, Regional Emergency Management will ensure that the Region is in compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act requirements consistent with the provisions in the newly released compliance guide.

4.2 - 3


- 4 -

Lorraine Graham-Watson, Commissioner of Corporate Services

Approved for Submission:

D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer

APPENDICES

Appendix I - EMCPA Compliance Guide 2017

For further information regarding this report, please contact Richard Gibson, Manager Regional Emergency Management, Ext 4456, [email protected].

Authored By: Kristine Patel, Specialist –Regional Emergency Management

4.2 - 4

Emergency Management and

Civil Protection Act

Compliance Guide for

Municipalities

2017

4.2 - 5APPENDIX I OFMEM’s Update on the Review of the Emergency Management Branch and Compliance Guidelines

Contents Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1. Appointment of Emergency Management Program Coordinator ........................................................................................... 2

References ...................................................................................................................................................................................2

Interpretation and Verification Requirements ............................................................................................................................3

2. Emergency Management Program Committee....................................................................................................................... 4

References ...................................................................................................................................................................................4


3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).................................................................................................................. 5

References ...................................................................................................................................................................................5


4. Critical Infrastructure (CI) List ................................................................................................................................................. 6

References ...................................................................................................................................................................................6


5. Municipal Emergency Plan ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

References ...................................................................................................................................................................................7


6. Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) .................................................................................................................................... 10

References .................................................................................................................................................................................10

Interpretation and Verification Requirements ..........................................................................................................................11

7. Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG)....................................................................................................................... 12

References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12


8. Emergency Information Officer (EIO) .................................................................................................................................13

References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 13


9. Public Education .....................................................................................................................................................................14

References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Interpretation and Verification Requirements ...........................................................................................................................14

10. Emergency Management Program Annual Review .......................................................................................................... 15

References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 15


11. Emergency Management Program By-law ........................................................................................................................16

References ................................................................................................................................................................................. 16


4.2 - 6APPENDIX I OFMEM’s Update on the Review of the Emergency Management Branch and Compliance Guidelines

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APPENDIX I

OFMEM’s Update on the Review of the Emergency Management Branch and Compliance Guidelines

Foreword

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and its supporting Regulation

380/04 (O Reg 380/04) provide a number of requirements for both ministries and

municipalities. This guide provides municipalities with information to assist in meeting these

requirements.

Each municipality in Ontario has an OFMEM Field Officer assigned to them who can provide

advice and assistance, as required, by supporting the development or delivery of any of the

components of the required emergency management program. These Field Officers are very

well-versed in the requirements of the EMCPA and O Reg 380/04, as well as very well

experienced in areas such as the development of municipal emergency response plans; the

delivery of emergency management training; and the development and conduct of emergency

management exercises, among other things. We encourage regular contact between the Field

Officers and municipalities. Please do not hesitate to involve them in any of your activities,

including program committee meetings, exercises, training and emergency management

events.

If you require any support, or if you have any questions about the development of your

emergency management programs at any time throughout the year, please feel free to contact

your assigned Field Officer. They will be happy to assist however they can. If you are unsure

who your Field Officer is, please contact [email protected].

In addition to the information contained in this guide, the Office of the Fire Marshal and

Emergency Management (OFMEM) has provided several tools to assist municipalities in the

development and delivery of many of the required components of their emergency

management programs. These tools can be found in the Emergency Management Portal which

can be accessed by logging in to www.emergencymanagementontario.ca/login.aspx. If you

cannot access this portal, please contact [email protected].

This guide does not constitute legal advice. For legal clarification on any of the requirements

contained herein, municipalities are encouraged to consult with their municipality’s legal

advisor for clarification.

4.2 - 7

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.ontario.ca/emo

mailto:[email protected]

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APPENDIX I


1. Appointment of Emergency Management Program Coordinator

Every municipality is required to designate an Emergency Management Program Coordinator,

otherwise referred to as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC). This

CEMC is also required to complete certain training, within one year of designation as CEMC.

References

O Reg 380/04 states:

Emergency management program co-ordinator

10. (1) Every municipality shall designate an employee of the municipality or a member of the

council as its emergency management program co-ordinator.

(2) The emergency management program co-ordinator shall complete the training that is

required by the Chief, Emergency Management Ontario.

(3) The emergency management program co-ordinator shall co-ordinate the development and

implementation of the municipality’s emergency management program within the municipality

and shall co-ordinate the municipality’s emergency management program in so far as possible

with the emergency management programs of other municipalities, of ministries of the Ontario

government and of organizations outside government that are involved in emergency

management.

(4) The emergency management program co-ordinator shall report to the municipality’s

emergency management program committee on his or her work under subsection (3).

Further, section 1 of the EMCPA defines “employee of a municipality” as:

“employee of a municipality” means an employee as defined in section 278 of the Municipal Act,

2001 or a designated employee as defined in section 217 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as the

case may be; (“employé municipal”).

The section of the Municipal Act, 2001, referenced above states:

278. (1) In sections 279, 280 and 282,

“employee” means any salaried officer, or any other person in the employ of the municipality or

of a local board and includes,

(a) a member of the police force of the municipality, (b) persons that provide their services on behalf of the municipality without remuneration, exclusive of reimbursement of expenses or honoraria, if council of the municipality has passed a by-law designating such persons or classes of persons as employees for the purposes of this section, and (c) any other person or class of person designated as an employee by the Minister1; (“employé”).

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APPENDIX I


Similarly, the City of Toronto Act, 2006, states:

“designated employee” means any salaried officer, or any other person in the employ of the City

or of a local board (extended definition) of the City and includes,

(a) a member of the city police force,

(b) persons that provide their services on behalf of the City without remuneration, exclusive of

reimbursement of expenses or honoraria, if city council has passed a by-law designating such

persons or classes of persons as designated employees for the purposes of this section, and

(c) any other person or class of persons designated as a designated employee by the Minister of

Municipal Affairs and Housing; (“employé désigné”).

Regarding the CEMC training requirements, on 2017-01-09 the Fire Marshal and Chief,

Emergency Management Ontario issued a guidance document that stated:

Municipal emergency management program coordinators, as designated by their municipality

under O Reg 380/04 s. 10 (1), will complete the following courses offered by the OFMEM, within

one year of their appointment as emergency management program coordinator.

• EM 200 – Basic Emergency Management

• EM 300 – Community Emergency Management Coordinator Course

• IMS 100 – Introduction to Incident Management System (available online)

• IMS 200 – Basic Incident Management System

Emergency management program coordinators that have already completed this training will

not be required to repeat it.

Interpretation and Verification Requirements

The EMPCA specifies that the CEMC be an employee of the municipality as defined by the

Municipal Act, 2001, or the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as referenced above. We have

considered this definition in two particular circumstances:

• Volunteers – As long as the municipality has either passed a by-law which designates the

individual as a municipal employee, or have passed a by-law which designates a volunteer

group (e.g. a Volunteer Fire Service) that the individual is a member of, as municipal

employees, this individual can be appointed as the CEMC; and

• Consultants – As a consultant is not a municipal employee, a consultant may not be

appointed as a CEMC.

1 In this section Minister refers to the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

To verify compliance with these requirements of the EMCPA, OFMEM requests a properly

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APPENDIX I


completed and signed Form 4-1 (attached), whenever a new CEMC is appointed, along with

verification that the appointed CEMC has completed the required training within one year of

designation. It is not necessary for a Form 4-1 to be submitted annually; only when there is a

new CEMC designated.

2. Emergency Management Program Committee

Every municipality is required to have an Emergency Management Program Committee (EMPC).

The purpose of this committee is to assist in the development and advise the Municipal Council

on the development and implementation of the municipal emergency management program.

References

O Reg 380/04 states:

Emergency management program committee

11. (1) Every municipality shall have an emergency management program committee.

(2) The committee shall be composed of,

(a) the municipality’s emergency management program co-ordinator;

(b) a senior municipal official appointed by the council;

(c) such members of the council, as may be appointed by the council;

(d) such municipal employees who are responsible for emergency management

functions, as may be appointed by the council; and

(e) such other persons as may be appointed by the council.

(3) The persons appointed under clause (2) (e) may only be,

(a) officials or employees of any level of government who are involved in emergency

management;

(b) representatives of organizations outside government who are involved in emergency

management; or

(c) persons representing industries that may be involved in emergency management.

(4) The council shall appoint one of the members of the committee to be the chair of the

committee.

(5) The committee shall advise the council on the development and implementation of the municipality’s emergency management program.

(6) The committee shall conduct an annual review of the municipality’s emergency management

program and shall make recommendations to the council for its revision if necessary.

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APPENDIX I



Although there are some specific requirements regarding the membership of the EMPC, there

are a wide range of persons who may be appointed as a member of this committee. However,

all members of the EMPC must be appointed by the Municipal Council, except for the CEMC

who is a mandatory member of the EMPC.

Similarly, it is also a requirement that the Municipal Council directly appoint the Chair of the EMPC.

In order to verify municipal compliance with this requirement of the EMCPA, OFMEM requests a list of the EMPC membership, along with evidence that the members and the Chair have been appointed by Council.

When reviewing the EMPC membership, OFMEM will be specifically verifying that the

membership includes the CEMC and another senior municipal official.

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA)

There is a requirement for all municipalities to identify and assess the hazards and risks to their

municipality. That is to say that they must identify which hazards are present in the

municipality; what the likelihood of those hazards occurring; and to assess the potential impact

to the municipality, including the municipality’s infrastructure, if that hazard were to occur.

References

The EMCPA, Section 2.1(3) states:

Hazard and risk assessment and infrastructure identification

(3) In developing its emergency management program, every municipality shall identify and

assess the various hazards and risks to public safety that could give rise to emergencies and

identify the facilities and other elements of the infrastructure that are at risk of being affected

by emergencies.


There are various methods which can be used in order to complete an effective HIRA.

Regardless of the method, the HIRA must answer the following questions:

• What hazards exist in my municipality that could result in an emergency?

• How frequently do they occur?

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APPENDIX I


• How severe can their impact be on the population at risk, infrastructure, property, and the

environment?

• Which hazards pose the greatest threat to the municipality?

In 2012, OFMEM (then Emergency Management Ontario) produced a HIRA workbook, which is

an effective tool which can be used to complete a municipal HIRA. A copy of this workbook is

available at www.ontario.ca/emo.

In order to verify compliance with this requirement of the EMCPA, OFMEM requests that a copy

of the result of the municipal HIRA be submitted and/or reviewed by the Field Officer and that

the methodology used to complete the HIRA addresses the questions listed above.

4. Critical Infrastructure (CI) List

Every municipality is required to identify facilities and other infrastructure that is at risk of

being impacted by emergencies.

References






by emergencies.


Every municipality must identify the facilities and infrastructure which could be impacted by an

emergency, which could have an impact on the residents of their municipality, their ability to

deliver services, or on the local economy. The facilities and infrastructure identified in this list

do not necessarily need to be owned or operated by the municipality.

In order to verify compliance with this requirement of the EMCPA, OFMEM requests that a copy

of the municipal CI list be submitted and/or reviewed by the Field Officer.

4.2 - 12

http://www.ontario.ca/emo

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APPENDIX I


5. Municipal Emergency Plan

Municipalities are required to develop an Emergency Plan governing the provision of necessary

services during an emergency, as well detailing the procedures that are to be followed by the

people who will respond to the emergency. Further, this plan must assign responsibilities to

municipal employees, by position, to implement the plan; and it must include notification

procedures for the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) members. Once the plan is

completed, the municipality must by by-law adopt the plan. It is required that OFMEM has a

copy of the most current version of all Municipal Emergency Plans at all times. OFMEM

maintains a repository of these plans at its headquarters in Toronto.

Additionally, it is required that the municipality conducts training and exercises with the

persons who have been assigned responsibilities under the plan, to ensure that they are

prepared to fulfil their responsibilities during an emergency.

References

The EMCPA, Section 3 states:

Municipal emergency plan

3. (1) Every municipality shall formulate an emergency plan governing the provision of

necessary services during an emergency and the procedures under and the manner in which

employees of the municipality and other persons will respond to the emergency and the council

of the municipality shall by by-law adopt the emergency plan.

Co-ordination by county

(3) The council of a county may with the consent of the councils of the municipalities situated

within the county co-ordinate and assist in the formulation of their emergency plans under

subsection (1).

Specific emergencies may be designated

(4) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may designate a municipality to address a specific type

of emergency in its emergency plan and, if so required, the municipality shall include the type of

emergency specified in its emergency plan.

Training and exercises

(5) Every municipality shall conduct training programs and exercises to ensure the readiness of

employees of the municipality and other persons to act under the emergency plan.

Review of plan

(6) Every municipality shall review and, if necessary, revise its emergency plan every year.

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APPENDIX I


Further, Section 5 states:

Conformity with upper-tier plan

5. The emergency plan of a lower-tier municipality in an upper-tier municipality, excluding a

county, shall conform to the emergency plan of the upper-tier municipality and has no effect to

the extent of any inconsistency and, for the purposes of this section, The Corporation of the

County of Lambton shall be deemed to be an upper-tier municipality.

Further, Section 6.2 states:

Emergency plans submitted to Chief

6.2 (1) Every municipality, minister of the Crown and designated agency, board, commission and

other branch of government shall submit a copy of their emergency plans and of any revisions to

their emergency plans to the Chief, Emergency Management Ontario, and shall ensure that the

Chief, Emergency Management Ontario has, at any time, the most current version of their

emergency plans.

Repository for emergency plans

(2) The Chief, Emergency Management Ontario shall keep in a secure place the most current

version of every emergency plan submitted to him or her.

Further guidance on the required contents of a Municipal Emergency Plan is found in the

EMCPA, Section 9:

What plan may provide

9. An emergency plan formulated under section 3, 6 or 8 shall,

(a) in the case of a municipality, authorize employees of the municipality or, in the case of a plan

formulated under section 6 or 8, authorize public servants to take action under the emergency

plan where an emergency exists but has not yet been declared to exist;

(b) specify procedures to be taken for the safety or evacuation of persons in an emergency area;

(c) in the case of a municipality, designate one or more members of council who may exercise

the powers and perform the duties of the head of council under this Act or the emergency plan

during the absence of the head of council or during his or her inability to act;

(d) establish committees and designate employees to be responsible for reviewing the

emergency plan, training employees in their functions and implementing the emergency plan

during an emergency;

(e) provide for obtaining and distributing materials, equipment and supplies during an

emergency;

(e.1) provide for any other matter required by the standards for emergency plans set under

section 14; and

(f) provide for such other matters as are considered necessary or advisable for the

implementation of the emergency plan during an emergency.

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APPENDIX I


O Reg 380/04, Section 15 provides the following additional requirements for the Plan:

Emergency response plan

15. (1) The emergency plan that a municipality is required to formulate under subsection 3 (1) of

the Act shall consist of an emergency response plan.

(2) An emergency response plan shall,

(a) assign responsibilities to municipal employees, by position,

respecting implementation of the emergency response plan; and

(b) set out the procedures for notifying the members of the municipal emergency control

group of the emergency.


A municipal emergency plan has several specific required components that must be included.

The purpose of these components is to ensure that a municipality is prepared to take swift and

appropriate actions to protect the health and safety of their residents during times of

emergency. A key activity which follows the approval of the emergency plan is to ensure that

the persons who have responsibilities assigned in the plan have received training about those

responsibilities, and have had an opportunity to practice in their roles through their

participation in exercises. It is the responsibility of the municipality to ensure that their

emergency plan meets the specific requirements of the EMCPA, and that appropriate training

and exercises have taken place with the persons who have assigned responsibilities under the

plan.

In order to verify compliance with the EMCPA regarding the municipal emergency plan, OFMEM requests the following:

• Verification that a copy of the most current version of the municipal emergency plan has

been submitted to the Chief, Emergency Management Ontario;

• Verification that the plan contains the required components of:

o Conformity with the plan of an upper-tier municipality (if applicable);

o Authorizes municipal employees to take action under the emergency plan where an

emergency exists, but has not yet been declared to exist;

o Specifies procedures to be taken for the safety or evacuation of persons in an

emergency area;

o Designates one or more members of council to exercise the powers of the head of

council in their absence;

o Establishes committees and designates municipal employees to be responsible for

reviewing the plan, training employees in their functions and implementing the plan

during an emergency;

4.2 - 15

Page | 10

APPENDIX I


o Provides for obtaining and distributing materials, equipment and supplies during an

emergency;

o Provides for other matters considered necessary or advisable for the

implementations of the emergency plan;

o Assigns responsibilities to municipal employees, by position, respecting the

implementation of the emergency response plan; and

o Sets out procedures to notify the members of the municipal emergency control

group about an emergency.

• A copy of the municipality’s by-law which adopts the most current version of the municipal

emergency plan. This may be the same by-law that adopts the municipality’s emergency

management program, or it may be a separate by-law.

6. Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG)

Every municipality is required to have a MECG that is responsible for directing the municipal

response during an emergency, including the implementation of the municipal emergency plan.

Members of the MECG must be appointed by Council, and participate in annual training and an

annual emergency exercise.

References

O Reg 380/04, Para 12 states:

Municipal emergency control group

12. (1) Every municipality shall have a municipal emergency control group.

(2) The emergency control group shall be composed of,

(a) such officials or employees of the municipality as may be appointed by the council;

and

(b) such members of council as may be appointed by the council.

(3) The members of the group shall complete the annual training that is required by the Chief,

Emergency Management Ontario.

(4) The group shall direct the municipality’s response in an emergency, including the

implementation of the municipality’s emergency response plan.

(5) The group shall develop procedures to govern its responsibilities in an emergency.

(6) The group shall conduct an annual practice exercise for a simulated emergency incident in

order to evaluate the municipality’s emergency response plan and its own procedures.

(7) If determined necessary as a result of the evaluation under subsection (6), the group shall revise its procedures and shall make recommendations to the council for the revision of the municipality’s emergency response plan.

4.2 - 16

Page | 11

APPENDIX I


(8) The group may at any time seek the advice and assistance of the following:

1. Officials or employees of any level of government who are involved in emergency

management.

2. Representatives of organizations outside government who are involved in emergency

management.

3. Persons representing industries that may be involved in emergency management.

Regarding the MECG training requirements, on 2017-01-09 the Fire Marshal and Chief,

Emergency Management Ontario issued a guidance document that stated:

In addition, all members of the MECG, as designated under O Reg 380/04, s. 12, are required to

complete a minimum of four hours of annual training. This training must be related to their

responsibilities as members of the MECG.


Every municipality must have a MECG appointed, who is responsible to direct the municipal

response during times of emergency. There are four key considerations regarding the MECG:

• The members of the MECG must be appointed by Council, and they must be municipal

officials, municipal employees or members of Council;

• There must be MECG procedures developed which guide the MECG in executing their

responsibilities;

• The MECG members must complete at least 4 hours of training in 2017. Note that

participating in an exercise is not considered to be training. These 4 hours must be spent

purely in training; and

• The MECG members must participate in an annual exercise, which evaluates the municipal

emergency plan and MECG procedures. There must be an exercise evaluation completed

following the exercise, and if required, recommendations to amend the municipal

emergency plan may be made to Council.

Therefore, in order to verify compliance with the EMCPA regarding the MECG, and its related

activities, OFMEM requests the following:

• A list of the MECG members, including evidence that the members of the MECG were

appointed by council;

• A copy of the MECG procedures;

• A description of the MECG training that was conducted, including the date(s) and times, as

well as a list of training participants; and

• A description of the exercise which includes:

4.2 - 17

Page | 12

APPENDIX I


o The details of the exercise, including the date and type of exercise that was

conducted;

o The aim of the exercise;

o A list of exercise participants; and

o Any identified areas for improvement, including proposed corrective actions.

7. Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

Every municipality in Ontario is required to establish an EOC to be used by the MECG during

emergencies. The EOC must have the appropriate technological and telecommunications

infrastructure to allow for effective communication with the MECG.

References


Emergency operations centre

13. (1) Every municipality shall establish an emergency operations centre to be used by the

municipal emergency control group in an emergency.

(2) The emergency operations centre must have appropriate technological and

telecommunications systems to ensure effective communication in an emergency.


Every municipality must establish an EOC to be used by the MECG during an emergency. The

facility designated as the EOC does not need to be a dedicated facility, but it must be able to be

immediately occupied by the MECG during an emergency.

Regarding the technological and telecommunications systems, the specific needs will vary

widely between different municipalities. However, universally the technological and

telecommunications systems should address the following:

• Who does the MECG need to communicate with?

• What means are most appropriate and efficient to communicate with these persons or

groups?

o Telephone / Cell phone

o Fax

o Email

o Radio system

o In person

o Other

4.2 - 18

Page | 13

APPENDIX I


• How does the MECG share information internally?

o Telephone / Cell phone

o Email

o Dry-erase whiteboards

o Projectors / LCD screens

o Printed material

o Other

• Are there redundancies in place in case of a failure of one or more technological or

telecommunications systems?

Therefore, in order to verify compliance with the EMCPA regarding the municipal EOC, OFMEM

requests that you confirm the location, including the address of the facility designated as your

municipal EOC; and that you confirm that your EOC has appropriate technological and

telecommunications systems to ensure effective communications in an emergency.

8. Emergency Information Officer (EIO)

Every municipality must designate an employee of the municipality as its EIO, who acts as the

primary media and public contact for the municipality in an emergency.

References


Emergency information officer

14. (1) Every municipality shall designate an employee of the municipality as its emergency

information officer.

(2) The emergency information officer shall act as the primary media and public contact for the

municipality in an emergency.


The designated EIO must be an employee of the municipality. It is the responsibility of the

municipality to ensure that the designated EIO is an employee of the municipality, as defined in

the Municipal Act, 2001 (refer to section 1 of this guide).

Therefore, in order to verify compliance with the EMCPA regarding the designation of a

municipal EIO, OFMEM requests the name and contact information of the designated EIO.

4.2 - 19

Page | 14

APPENDIX I


9. Public Education

As a part of the municipal emergency management program, efforts must be made to increase

awareness among the residents of the municipality about both the specific hazards that are

present in the municipality, as well as about emergency preparedness in general.

References

The EMCPA, Section 2.1 states:

Municipal emergency management programs

2.1 (1) Every municipality shall develop and implement an emergency management program

and the council of the municipality shall by by-law adopt the emergency management program.

Same

(2) The emergency management program shall consist of,

(a) an emergency plan as required by section 3;

(b) training programs and exercises for employees of the municipality and other persons

with respect to the provision of necessary services and the procedures to be followed in

emergency response and recovery activities;

(c) public education on risks to public safety and on public preparedness for emergencies;

and

(d) any other element required by the standards for emergency management programs

set under section 14. 2002, c. 14, s. 4.


As stated above, a municipal emergency management program must contain an element of

general public education (e.g., information on an emergency preparedness kit). A municipal

emergency management program must also contain an element of public education related to

risks to public safety (for example, what to do before, during and after a flood or another risk in

the HIRA). This public education may take many forms, including, but not limited to:

• Displays or presentations at public events;

• Distribution of flyers or other material through the mail;

• Public Service Announcements on local media;

• Advertisements in local newspapers; and/or

• Information posted on municipal and other websites.

4.2 - 20

Page | 15

APPENDIX I


Therefore, in order to validate municipal compliance with the EMCPA regarding public

education, OFMEM requests a description of the public education programs undertaken by the

municipality during 2017. This could include copies of any related materials used for this

purpose.

10. Emergency Management Program Annual Review

As a part of their overall responsibilities, the EMPC is required to conduct an annual review of

the municipality’s emergency management program.

References

The EMCPA, Section 2.1 states:




2002, c. 14, s. 4.

Same

(2) The emergency management program shall consist of,

(a) an emergency plan as required by section 3;

(b) training programs and exercises for employees of the municipality and other persons with

respect to the provision of necessary services and the procedures to be followed in emergency

response and recovery activities;

(c) public education on risks to public safety and on public preparedness for emergencies; and

(d) any other element required by the standards for emergency management programs set

under section 14. 2002, c. 14, s. 4.





by emergencies.

Further, O Reg. 380/04, Para 11(6) states:

(6) The committee shall conduct an annual review of the municipality’s emergency management

program and shall make recommendations to the council for its revision if necessary.

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Page | 16

APPENDIX I



Given that the EMCPA provides a specific definition of what a municipal emergency

management program contains, and that O Reg 380/04 specifically states that the EMPC must

conduct an annual review of the municipal EM program, we interpret that to say that this

review must include all required components of the EM program, including:

• The municipal emergency plan;

• The training conducted by the municipality;

• The exercises conducted by the municipality;

• The public education program;

• The municipal HIRA; and

• The municipal CI list.

Therefore, in order to verify municipal compliance with the EMCPA requirement for an annual

review of the municipal emergency management program by the EMPC, OFMEM requests

verification that the above items were reviewed by the EMPC.

11. Emergency Management Program By-law

Every municipality is required to adopt their municipal emergency management program

through a by-law.

References






Every municipality must have a by-law, passed by Council, which adopts their municipal

emergency management program. This by-law may, through attached schedules, also confirm

other requirements of Council, including:

4.2 - 22

Page | 17

APPENDIX I


• The adoption of the municipal emergency plan;

• The appointment of the Emergency Management Program Committee membership,

including the Chair of the EMPC; and

• The appointment of the Municipal Emergency Control Group membership.

These requirements, however, may also be made through the passage of separate by-laws or Council resolutions, as appropriate.

Therefore, in order to verify municipal compliance with the EMCPA requirement for a by-law

adopting the municipal emergency management program, OFMEM requests that a copy of the

most current by-law, including any applicable schedules, be submitted to OFMEM.

4.2 - 23



For Information

DATE: April 27, 2017

REPORT TITLE: OVERVIEW OF REGIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ’S 2017 PROGRAM ACTIVITIES


OBJECTIVE

To inform of the Regional Emergency Management’s program activities for 2017 as well as

ongoing initiatives.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

The report provides an overview of Regional Emergency Management’s programactivities under the five pillars of Emergency Management.

Highlights of the Region of Peel’s actions to further enhance Peel as a disaster resilientcommunity are also included.

DISCUSSION

1. Background

Emergency Management includes actions taken to reduce a community’s vulnerability to anemergency event and to enhance the ability to respond to large scale emergencies.Regional Emergency Management (REM) ensures that the Region of Peel (Region) meetsthe Provincially legislated requirements under the Emergency Management and CivilProtection Act. The Act establishes the province’s legal basis and framework for managingemergencies and outlines municipal compliance standards. Meeting the requirements of theAct is achieved through collaboration with internal and external partners and engagement intraining and workshops. Through the year, REM undertakes several coordinated activitiesthat not only satisfy but exceed the annual compliance requirements.

2. REM Program Activities

Ontario's Emergency Management Glossary of Terms defines Emergency Management as: "Organized activities undertaken to prevent, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from actual or potential emergencies." Based on these five pillars of emergency management, highlights of REM’s program activities include:

4.3 - 1

REM 2017 PROGRAM ACTVITIES OVERVIEW

- 2 -

a) Prevention, Mitigation and Preparedness

i) Emergency Detour Routes

Through the Public Works’ Transportation Division, REM is participating in an effort to identify Emergency Detour Routes (EDRs) throughout the Region. The intent of these routes is to pre-determine alternate transportation routes in the event that there is a closure along one of the many Provincial Highways within the Region.

Wayfinding along EDRs will identify alternate routes for the public.

ii) Business Continuity Initiative

The Region is placing a priority on business continuity and is formalizing procedures across the organization to help mitigate and respond to potential business interruptions. This initiative will result in plans and strategies that align and complement the Region of Peel Emergency Plan (ROPEP) and as such may be used in conjunction with the ROPEP during an Emergency event or independently in

the event of a broad business disruption.

iii) Human Services Response Plan

The Human Services Response Plan for the delivery of Emergency Social Services is in the process of being updated and staff are working with our external partners including Non-Government Organizations, to align the plan with the ROPEP. As part of updating the plan, an environmental scan of selected municipalities will be undertaken to gather information on the level of Emergency Social Services and programs being provided at the regional level. The update will result in a functional plan that clearly outlines roles and responsibilities, follows the Incident Management System model, and describes the support and services offered from Non-

Government Organization partners.

iv) Evidence Based Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Over the past five years, the Region has been collecting statistics on the various events that are reported by our internal and external stakeholders. Initially this was done on an ad-hoc basis to inform the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment process. The Region now has sufficient data that a detailed analysis can be undertaken. The analysis has identified a clear trend over the past five years, that weather and watershed related events account for 73 per cent to 80 per cent of

reported events in a given year.

v) Emergency Preparedness Week 2017

As part of the annual Emergency Preparedness Week, the Region will be hosting various activities for staff to familiarize themselves with the facilities, functions and processes used to help manage an emergency event. These activities will take place May 7th - 13th 2017 and coincide with Emergency Preparedness Week

activities at the Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels.

vi) Training and Workshops

Training in various areas related to Emergency Management continues to be a priority. Earlier this year, Regional staff and Peel Regional Police participated in Scribe training which was a key recommendation for Emergency Management personnel from the Elliot Lake inquiry. Staff will also continue to facilitate courses developed by the Office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management (OFMEM) as appropriate, leveraging the OFMEM’s Training Portal to assist with the

4.3 - 2


- 3 -

advertising, registration, evaluation and accreditation processes associated with delivering a curriculum.

Regional staff are also committed to ongoing professional development. Several events have been attended which address situations and consequences encountered during emergency situations like the 2016 Fort McMurray fires, the Goderich tornado and Ottawa’s recent roadway sinkhole. Many of the observations and reflections have a degree of local relevance that can be applied to training and exercise opportunities, as well as in the development of future response and

recovery plans.

vii) Exercises

Over the course of this year, the Region will participate in various exercises. While many of these opportunities will be hosted by external stakeholders, discussions are underway with representatives of the Hydro sector to leverage a planned exercise for the fall that would focus on the impacts and response to a critical infrastructure event.

b) Response and Recovery

i) REM Duty Officer

REM continues to provide on-call (REM Duty Officer) service around the clock to ensure that staff are available to respond to significant events within the Region. As of March 30, 2017, 62 events had been reported to the REM Duty Officer since the

beginning of the year. A breakdown of the reported events is as follows:

Events General Description

39 Weather related events

17 Flooding – Watershed related events

3 Cold / Extreme Cold Weather Protocols (Mississauga Only)

2 Critical Infrastructure / Housing related events

1 Hazardous Material (Transportation) event

On average, 190 events are reported to the REM Duty Officer in each year based on

data from 2013 to 2016.

ii) Hickory Drive Recovery Support

REM and other Regional programs continue to provide referrals and support to the City of Mississauga and those residents still affected by the Hickory Drive house explosion. At this point in time, any requests for support are being referred and

reviewed to utilize existing programs and services that may be available to residents.

4.3 - 3


- 4 -

CONCLUSION

Regional staff will continue to work with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders to further our collective prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery abilities in

support of enhancing the emergency management resiliency within the Region of Peel.


D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer For further information regarding this report, please contact Richard Gibson, Manager, Regional Emergency Management, Ext. 4456, or [email protected] Authored By: Andrew C. Cooper, Business Continuity and Emergency Management Advisor, Regional Emergency Management and Cheryl Jamieson, Specialist, Regional Emergency Management

4.3 - 4




REPORT TITLE: PROVINCIAL, DISASTER RECOVERY AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

(GUIDELINES AND LIMITATIONS)


RECOMMENDATION That the Regional Chair write, on behalf of Regional Council, to the Premier of Ontario and the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs urging them to expand the current provisions of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians, and the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance programs, in order to allow applications that could be triggered as a result of a significant non-natural, human-caused event; And further, that a copy of this resolution be provided to the City of Brampton, City of Mississauga, Town of Caledon and Region of Peel MPPs. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

In February 2016 the Ministry of Municipal Affairs announced the introduction of two new disaster assistance programs. One of the programs is now available to individuals, families, small business owners, owners of small farming operations, as well as non-profit agencies. The second program is available to Municipalities.

The current scope of these programs does not extend to non-natural disasters, such as human–caused events, like the recent Hickory Drive explosion in Mississauga, or a severe industrial or transportation accident, such as the Lac-Mégantic tragedy that occurred in Quebec.

The lengthy recovery and re-building process faced by numerous residents in the Hickory Drive area and the massive recovery needs of the municipality of Lac-Mégantic provide recent and tangible case studies.

Each of these disasters provide a credible rationale in support of expanding the current provisions of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, as well as the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program to include sudden and unexpected incidents resulting from non-natural, human-caused circumstances.


The former Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) was replaced in February 2016 with two new Provincial assistance programs. The new Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is structured to provide assistance for home-owners, residential tenants, small owner-operated businesses, small owner-operated farms, as well as non-

4.4 - 1

PROVINCIAL, DISASTER RECOVERY AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS (GUIDELINES AND LIMITATIONS)

- 2 -

profit agencies. The Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program is framed to provide financial assistance that helps municipalities recover from significant impacts of natural disasters. Both of the new provincial assistance programs do not allow for financial recovery assistance to be extended to significant events when the resulting circumstances of the

disaster are non-natural, human-caused incidents.

Incidents resulting from a human caused event can be very costly to recover from. Court proceedings may be the only way to recover some financial compensation for the damages. Litigation is costly, takes a lot of time and may not lead to actual financial recovery. Yet, given the limitations currently built into Ontario’s Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program, a municipality may not have any choice except litigation, in order to seek financial remedy, or assistance.

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act defines an emergency as: “a situation or impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act, whether intentional or

otherwise”.

Based on the Province of Ontario’s legislative definition of an emergency, the circumstances

of an emergency extend to non-natural, human-caused events.

2. Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program Framework

The new disaster recovery assistance for Ontarians program includes established criteria for making an application to the province for assistance. The program outlines various criteria

and components associated with eligibility, including:

Types of disasters that are eligible;

Defining who can apply;

Instructions on how to apply;

Timelines for making application;

The kinds of documents required to support an application; and,

Limitations associated with essential property, as opposed to non-essential

property, such as landscaping and fences.

Although the program’s guidelines emphasize that recovery assistance provisions are not intended to replace appropriate insurance coverage, the program framework clearly

envisions that associated insurance coverages may not be adequate in meeting expenses.

Consequently, it outlines financial assistance needs for Ontarians under three main

categories, as follows:

Emergency evacuation/relocation and living expenses;

Emergency measures, cleanup, disinfection and disposal expenses; and,

4.4 - 2


- 3 -

Repair and replacement expenses;

3. Hickory Drive Explosion and Lac-Mégantic Train Derailment - Case-Study Relevance

Late in the afternoon of June 28, 2016 a house exploded with tremendous force that rocked the immediate area, as well as shattering windows in a nearby high-rise condo complex. According to the provisions of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, the resultant consequences of that explosion are not linked to a natural event. Therefore, the provisions of the financial assistance program cannot be extended to residents who were impacted at the time of the incident. More importantly, the financial assistance provisions of the program are not available to the homeowners and tenants who continue to be displaced from their homes due to various matters associated with lengthy repairs and re-construction

delays.

The Hickory Drive explosion resulted in widespread damage to private properties and surrounding areas and the situation has been complicated by a very lengthy recovery

timeframe for many of the affected Hickory residents.

If the Hickory event had been the result of a tornado blowing through the community, the impacted residents would have been able to avail themselves of the provincial assistance program. The impediment in accessing Ontario’s financial assistance program for Hickory Drive residents is the fact that the province has omitted non-natural disaster events from the

program’s criteria for financial assistance.

In early July of 2013, a freight train derailment in the Town of Lac-Mégantic, Québec resulted in 47 fatalities and the loss of over 30 buildings in the downtown core. A further 36 buildings were heavily contaminated and recommended to be demolished. The personal, commercial, environmental and economic recovery from this event has lasted many years. The material was being transported by a United States based company. In the months and weeks that followed, several lengthy investigations took place including both criminal investigations by the Sûreté du Québec and technical investigations by the Transportation Safety Board. Further, litigation proceedings in the form of a class action lawsuit and multiple individual lawsuits were launched with verdicts initially expected within two to three

years.

Similarly, if a Lac-Mégantic type of incident occurred in Ontario the affected municipality would not be able to apply for financial relief, because the province has also omitted non-

natural disasters from the municipal program of assistance.

Disasters are not limited, or restricted to only natural/nature-caused events. Non-natural/human-caused events often occur in an unpredictable manner that mirrors natural events. Human-caused events can also have the same or very similar consequences as natural caused circumstances, including long-term recovery timelines, plus imposing sudden

and significant financial hardship on those impacted by such events.

The recent Hickory Drive explosion in the City of Mississauga, as well as the Lac-Mégantic train derailment in Quebec provide actual and recent case studies that should demonstrate

the need for a review of Ontario’s financial assistance programs.

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CONCLUSION

Provincial legislation governing emergency management defines an emergency and includes non-natural, human-caused events. As well, there are two provincial government programs of financial assistance already in existence, complete with an established framework of application criteria. Given these factors, it is plausible and reasonable for provincial authorities to expand both of the programs’ provisions to include non-natural

disasters.

A letter from the Regional Chair to the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs is warranted in order to advocate for the expansion of the provisions of both of Ontario’s new

disaster financial assistance programs.


D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer For further information regarding this report, please contact Richard Gibson, Manager Regional Emergency Management, Ext. 4456, [email protected]. Authored By: Richard Gibson, Manager Regional Emergency Management

4.4 - 4



For Information


REPORT TITLE: 9-1-1 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM: Stephen VanOfwegen, Acting Commissioner of Service Innovation,

Information and Technology

OBJECTIVE

To provide an annual update on 9-1-1 activity in Peel region.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

In Peel, the Regional 9-1-1 emergency number service represents a partnership among the Peel Regional Police, the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, the Town of Caledon, the Region of Peel and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in providing emergency communications service to Peel residents.

In 2016, 9-1-1 Communicators received 319,387 calls for emergency services in Peel.

The 9-1-1 Texting Option was introduced to the Region of Peel in 2014 to assist the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Speech Impaired (DHHSI) community.

The week of April 10-16, 2017 was recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators week.


Peel Regional 9-1-1 service was implemented in 1988. Since that time, millions of callers have obtained assistance from Police, Paramedics and Fire services. The Regional 9-1-1 service represents a partnership among Peel Regional Police, the City of Mississauga, the City of Brampton, the Town of Caledon, the Region of Peel and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in providing emergency communications to Peel residents through a dedicated telephone network.

For the year of 2016, 319,387 calls for assistance were made to the 9-1-1 Centre. Of the total 319,387 calls received, 227,829 calls or 71 per cent were valid requests for emergency assistance. The remaining 91,558 calls classified as misdials, pocket calls and hang-ups. Education efforts around the proper use of 9-1-1 continue and have contributed to a 20 per cent reduction of overall calls to the service since 2012 with a steady annual decline over the past 5 years (See Appendix I). Since 2015 there has also been a reported 2 per cent reduction in non-emergency calls. It is important that efforts continue to educate residents about the appropriate use of 9-1-1, for serious medical emergencies, ongoing criminal activity, or fire.

4.5 - 1

9-1-1 REPORT

- 2 -

2. Raising Public Awareness and Community Engagement

To assist further in educating Peel residents about the proper use of 9-1-1, the Region of Peel has developed online resources such as the 9-1-1 Emergency Service informational web page www.peelregion.ca/emergency/emerg. Municipal partners, including the City of Brampton, City of Mississauga and Town of Caledon all feature 9-1-1 informational webpages, dedicated to providing residents with information around the proper use of the 9-1-1 service. Educational packages with digital links have been shared with local hospitals, schools, libraries and community centres.

The Region of Peel continues to issue news releases to local media, invite media to events and work with community newspapers and television stations to foster awareness of how the 9-1-1 system works, and its intended use. As well representatives from Police, Fire and Paramedics continue to attend events within the community to educate and inform citizens on the proper use of 9-1-1 and awareness regarding our non-emergency numbers.

3. Accessibility

An alternative type of phone service, the 9-1-1 Texting Option was introduced to the Region of Peel in 2014. This application was created to assist and is exclusive to the DHHSI (Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Speech Impaired) Community to reach 9-1-1 in an emergency. When registered members of the DHHSI community ‘call’ 9-1-1 from their cell phone within The Region of Peel, service will initiate a Texting session within our Public Safety Answering Point at which point our call takers will know to send a text message to the caller.

4. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The week of April 10-16, 2017 was recognized as “National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week”. Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Emergency Communicators were recognized during the week with activities such as recognition ceremonies and celebratory events. During this week, messaging was shared within the community and promoted as 9-1-1 Awareness Week.

CONCLUSION

The 9-1-1 emergency number service is an essential component of the emergency communication network in the Region of Peel. The continued success of the 9-1-1 service reflects the combined dedicated efforts of all the public safety communication professionals within the Region.

Stephen VanOfwegen, Acting Commissioner of Service Innovation, Information and Technology

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9-1-1 REPORT

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Approved for Submission:

D. Szwarc, Chief Administrative Officer APPENDICES Appendix I – Annual 9-1-1 Call Volumes For further information regarding this report, please contact Karla Hale, Director, Community Communications at ext. 4998 or [email protected] Authored By: Rene Nand

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Annual 9-1-1 Call Volumes

Types of Calls 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

% Change

from 2012

to 2016

9-1-1 Calls 381,670 345,674 353,583 325,509 319,387 -20%

Non-Emergency Calls 271,274 265,972 254,831 254,252 277,081 2%

APPENDIX I9-1-1 Annual Report

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