Back to SearchThe Town Will Welcome the Canadian Armed Forces and Regional First Responders to Wasaga Beach on May 4 for a Coordinated Emergency Training Exercise and Public Open House to Kick-Off Emergency Preparedness Week
A joint training exercise will simulate an emergency forest fire scenario, and a public open house for residents will raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for emergencies
Wasaga Beach – On May 4, the Town of Wasaga Beach is proud to host the Canadian Armed Forces and regional first responders for a joint training exercise to kick-off Emergency Preparedness Week. The joint training exercise will enact an emergency forest fire scenario, followed by an open house for residents of all ages to help raise awareness of the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
What: Emergency Preparedness Week Open House
When: May 4, 2024 from 3pm – 7pm
Where: Wasaga Stars Arena, 544 River Road West, Wasaga Beach
Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5 - 11, 2024. This annual event takes place across Canada every May to encourage residents to become better prepared for the range of disasters and emergencies that could happen in their communities.
Residents can stop by the Emergency Preparedness Week Open House to watch presentations, visit information booths and speak with emergency management experts, including regional first responders and the Canadian Armed Forces, to learn more about emergency preparedness and the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Emergency Response Plan.
Vendors include:
- Canadian Armed Forces
- Wasaga Beach Fire Department
- OPP
- Simcoe County Paramedics
- Georgian Bay Search and Rescue
- Wasaga Distribution
- Air Cadets
- Simcoe County Emergency Management
- Ontario Emergency Management
- South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre
- 211
- Red Cross
- Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team
- Georgian College Environmental Studies
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
- Rotary Club - Shelter Box Program
In addition to a joint training exercise and public open house, the Town is recognizing Emergency Preparedness Week by sharing resources and information with residents.
Resources for families
- The Town and Wasaga Beach Fire Department encourages residents to learn how to be prepared in case of an emergency by reviewing the County of Simcoe’s Emergency Preparedness Guide. A hard copy of the guide can be picked up at Fire Hall 1, located at 966 River Road West or at the May 4, Emergency Preparedness Open House, happening at 544 River Road West.
Learn more about the Town of Wasaga Beach’s Emergency Response Plan
- The purpose of The Town of Wasaga Beach's Emergency Response Plan is to outline and enable the extraordinary arrangements and measures that may need to be taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, environment, and economic well-being of residents, businesses, and visitors of the Town of Wasaga Beach when faced with an emergency.
Stay connected
- Residents are encouraged to subscribe to news and updates on the Town website, and to the Town’s Twitter and Facebook for official, accurate updates and information during an emergency.
- Residents are also encouraged to follow The Town’s social media channels during Emergency Preparedness Week for more information about activities taking place and helpful tips to get prepared for emergencies and disasters.
QUOTES
Mayor Brian Smith
“It’s always an honour to welcome our men and women in uniform to Wasaga Beach. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere and the best time to prepare is now,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “While we would not expect the Canadian Armed Forces in our community during most emergency scenarios, this is excellent practice for our local first responders and Town staff, during Emergency Preparedness Week. The Town, in partnership with the County of Simcoe and in accordance with provincial legislation, has robust emergency plans and systems in place to manage and respond during emergencies, and there is no better time for our citizens to learn more about them – or to learn how to protect your family and be better prepared at home.”
Fire Chief, Craig Williams
“Emergency Preparedness Week is May 5-11 and the Wasaga Beach Fire Department is proud to coordinate this joint emergency exercise with the Canadian Armed Forces and regional first responders. It doesn’t matter if you are the CAF, the Town, the Fire Department or any other first responder. Having a plan and practicing that plan are an essential part of being ready when an emergency strikes,” said Fire Chief, Craig Williams. “I encourage residents to come out to our Open House on May 4 in the Re/Max Room at the new Wasaga Stars Arena, to learn how to be prepared, meet and chat with first responders, and visit one of our many interactive information booths.”
Grant Durfey, Manager of Emergency Management, County of Simcoe
“The County of Simcoe is excited to work with our partners from Wasaga Beach and the Canadian Armed Forces in this joint exercise," said Grant Durfey, Manager of Emergency Management, County of Simcoe. "While it may not exactly match a real world response, any opportunity to practice inter-agency coordination is welcomed.”
Lieutenant Colonel Jason Morische, 32 Territorial Battalion Group Commanding Officer, Canadian Armed Forces
“The Territorial Battle Group and 32 Canadian Brigade is pleased to join with the Town of Wasaga Beach and local first responders in this joint emergency exercise. It is a unique opportunity to practise and prove operational readiness and the rapid deployment of soldiers. All of our members in uniform contribute their professional skill sets in order to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces continue to be ready for effective deployment when called upon for domestic aid,’ said Lieutenant Colonel Jason Morische, 32 Territorial Battalion Group Commanding Officer, Canadian Armed Forces. “Being able to practice operational training and readiness in our local communities provides shared training opportunities and allows soldiers to build relationships with Canadians.”
Additional resources
Review The Town of Wasaga Beach's Emergency Response Plan.
Would you know what to do if a disaster occurs in our community? Would your children, babysitter and other family members know the proper procedures to follow on their own? Visit Emergency Management Ontario to access a variety of information online, to learn more about how your family can get prepared.
Be prepared for an emergency | ontario.ca
Find Government of Canada resources at getprepared.ca
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Media contact:
Sandra Watts
Director of Strategic Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
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