INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), in partnership with the District of Summerland, the Village of Keremeos, and the Town of Osoyoos, has been awarded a $160,000 grant through the 2025 Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning program, funded by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Community Emergency Preparedness Fund.

“The Regional District is pleased to be awarded this partnership grant for the 2025 Public Notification and Evacuation Route Planning program,” said Mark Pendergraft, RDOS chair. “This funding will support the RDOS in enhancing emergency preparedness, notification systems, and evacuation planning to better protect communities in the region.”

The collaborative initiative aims to strengthen regional evacuation planning and emergency preparedness across the participating jurisdictions. Funding from the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund will be used to update existing evacuation plans by enhancing the accuracy of GIS and spatial data, refining evacuation zones and routes, improving the integration and coordination of public notification platforms, and developing public education materials and communication tools.

This work supports the ongoing commitment of local governments to improve public safety and ensure residents and visitors are better informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. The RDOS and its partners will continue engaging with communities as planning progresses. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels.

Each participating community (Summerland, Keremeos, and Osoyoos) will receive a community-specific evacuation route plan that reflects its unique geography, risks, and infrastructure. In addition to these tailored plans, the RDOS will develop a comprehensive, region-wide evacuation plan to ensure coordination and consistency across jurisdictions during emergency events.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737