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VILLAGE OF BURK'S FALLS
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
By-Law # 19-2025
Updated December 2024
Page 2 of 22
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
1. DISCLAIMER ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
2. INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
3. TITLE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
4. DEFINITIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
5. PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN --------------------------------------------------------- 5
6. AIM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 5
7. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM COMMITTEE --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
8. PLAN MAINTENANCE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
9. EMERGENCY/HAZARD ANALYSIS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
10. DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
11. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE & THE OPERATING CYCLE ---------------------------------------------------------------- 9
12. MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY CONTROL GROUP ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
ANNEX A - DECLARATION FORM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
ANNEX B - CHECKLIST IN CONSIDERATION OF A DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY ----------------------------------- 17
ANNEX C - TERMINATION FORM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
ANNEX D - DISTRIBUTION LIST---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
ANNEX E - AMENDMENTS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Updated December 2024
Page 3 of 22
VILLAGE OF BURK'S FALLS EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Disclaimer
The Village of Burk's Falls Emergency Management Plan was adopted to comply with the Emergency
Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.9, as amended.
The Village of Burk's Falls does not, in any way guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness or
usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed or recommended in this document, or that
the procedures laid out herein will be a perfect response to any emergency situation. The procedures
laid out herein will be implemented on a best efforts' basis.
2. Introduction
The Village of Burk's Falls Emergency Management Program Committee developed this emergency
response plan in order to provide key officials, agencies, departments and municipal support staff with a
general guideline to the expected initial response to an emergency as well as a synopsis of the roles and
responsibilities during an emergency.
Municipal departments routinely respond to situations requiring fire, police and ambulance and public
works services; however, some situations may escalate beyond the scope of normal operations. These
situations need to be dealt with via an emergency plan. The Village of Burk's Falls Emergency Response
Plan is a generic and flexible document, adaptable to any emergency.
In order for this plan to be effective it is vital that all concerned be made aware of its provisions and that
every official, agency and department be prepared to carry out their assigned functions and
responsibilities in an emergency. Equally important, all permanent and/or seasonal residents and
business be aware of the Emergency Response Plan, thus the public version of the Emergency Response
Plan are available for viewing at the Village of Burk's Falls office. For further information please contact
your Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC);
Primary CEMC - Amy Tilley
Alternate CEMC - Denis DUGUAY
Village of Burk's Falls
Village of Burk's Falls
PO Box 160, 172 Ontario Street
PO Box 160, 172 Ontario Street
Burk's Falls, ON.
Burk's Falls, ON.
(705)382-3138
(705)382-3138
Updated December 2024
Page 4 of 22
3. Title
This document is the Village of Burk's Falls Emergency Response Plan, herein referred to as the "Plan".
4. Definitions
Community Emergency
Management Coordinator (CEMC)
The CEMC is responsible and accountable for coordinating the development and
implementation of the municipality's emergency management program in
accordance with the standards set out in the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act and Ontario Regulation 380/04
Emergency
Emergencies are defined as situations or impending situations caused by forces
of nature, accident or an intentional act that constitutes a danger of major
proportions to life and property. They affect public safety, meaning the health,
welfare and property, as well as the environment and economic health of the
Townships of Armour and the Village of Burk's Falls. By their nature or
magnitude, these situations may require municipal expenditures, requests for
additional resources, provisions for emergency shelter, or evacuation. These
situations are distinct from normal operations where coordinated activities
among agencies are adequate to resolve the situation.
Emergency Information Officer
(EIO)
The emergency information officer is responsible for implementing the
municipality's emergency information arrangements.
Emergency Management
Program Committee (EMPC)
The committee advises Council on the emergency management program,
reviews the emergency management program annually and;
-
Identifies gaps in resource capability and recommend approaches to fill
the gaps
-
Amends existing plan to reflect changes
-
Submits proposed amendments to council for approval
-
Advices the OFMEM Field officer of committee membership and
meeting dates.
"Emergency Operations Centre"
EOC
Every municipality shall establish an emergency operation centre to be used by
the municipal emergency control group in an emergency. The emergency
operations centre must have appropriate technological and telecommunications
systems to ensure effective communication in an emergency.
``Emergency Site Manager``
The person at the Emergency Site who is designated to coordinate and manage
the response to the Emergency. The Emergency Site Manager is appointed by
the MECG and reports to the MECG.
"Incident Commander"
The person(s) designated by each agency responding to the Emergency who is
responsible for managing the agency's on-scene response operations at the ICP,
in consultation and co-ordination with the MECG.
Updated December 2024
Page 5 of 22
"Incident Command Post" ICP
The location from which the Incident Commander oversees incident
management. A vehicle, trailer, tent or a building may serve as the ICP,
according to what is available and appropriate.
"Mitigation"
Action taken to reduce the adverse impacts of an emergency or disaster.
"Municipal Emergency Control
Group" MECG
The MECG is a group of individuals which are responsible for directing and
controlling all Emergency operations and providing the personnel and resources
needed by the Incident Commander to effectively manage the Emergency.
"Support Group"
Agencies or individuals in which may be called upon to attend the EOC
depending on the nature of an Emergency.
5. Protection from Liability for Implementation of the Plan
Section 11 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E,9 as amended,
states;
1) No action or other proceeding lies or shall be instituted against a member of council, an
employee of a municipality, an employee of a local services board, an employee of a district
social services administration board, a minister of the Crown, a Crown employee or any other
individual acting pursuant to this Act or an order made under this Act for any act done in good
faith in the exercise or performance or the intended exercise or performance of any power or
duty under this Act or an order under this Act or for neglect or default in the good faith exercise
or performance of such a power or duty.
2) Municipality not relieved of liability (3) Subsection (1) does not relieve a municipality of liability
for the acts or omissions of a member of council or an employee of the municipality referred to
in subsection (1), and the municipality is liable as if subsection (1) had not been enacted and, in
the case of a member of council, as if the member were an employee of the municipality.
a) Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy - Any personal information collected under
the authority of the Plan shall be used solely for the purpose of planning, preparing and
responding to emergencies as defined with the Plan and the release of any information under
this Plan shall be made in conformity with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection
of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.M.56, as amended.
6. Aim
The aim of this plan is to make provisions for the extraordinary arrangements and measures that may
have to be taken to protect the health, safety, welfare, environment and economic health of the
residents, businesses and visitors of the Village of Burk's Falls.
The permanent population of the Village of Burk's Falls is 957 residents and there are 473 households
(permanent, very few seasonal).
The Plan enables a centralized and coordinated response to emergencies within the Village of Burk's
Falls, due to the centralized nature of these municipalities as well as the shared services a cooperative
approach may be required when responding to emergencies with the Townships of Armour and
Ryerson.
Updated December 2024
Page 6 of 22
7. Emergency Management Program Committee
Legislative requires "every municipality shall have an emergency management program committee" as
per 380/04 Paragraph 11, O.Reg. The committee will advise the council on the development and
implementation of the municipality's emergency management program. O. Reg. 380/04,s 11 (5)
For the purpose of this emergency response plan the committee will be comprised of Village Clerk,
CEMC, Fire Chief and Mayor.
8. Plan Maintenance
This Plan was written in 2015 and it is essential that it be kept current and viable by adherence to a
maintenance schedule. Responsibility for the plan being kept up to date rests with the Community
Emergency Management Coordinator who may delegate tasks accordingly. The Plan was updated in
2017 and in 2022.
The Emergency telephone numbers will be reviewed on an annual basis.
The notification system will be tested annually.
The plan will be exercised once every year as a minimum requirement, in order to test the overall
effectiveness of the Emergency Plan and provide training to the MECG. Revisions to this plan should
incorporate recommendations stemming from such exercises.
The Control Group (MECG) and Support Staff shall receive training and participate in an exercise, once
every year as a minimum requirement.
The Vital Services and/or Local Services Directory should be updated annually.
The Community Emergency Management Coordinator will determine the schedule under which the
maintenance activities will be performed.
The Community Emergency Management Coordinator may update, correct or amend any information
contained within the annexes of this emergency plan on an as required basis.
9. Emergency/Hazard Analysis
The Emergency Response Plan identifies the various emergencies the community will be most likely to
experience as follows;
o Extreme Temperature - Cold Wave
o Windstorm
o Extreme Temperatures - Heat Wave
o Transportation - Road & Rail - & HAZMAT
o Flooding
o Human Health Emergency
o Fire - Forest or Residential
o Drinking Water Emergency
Updated December 2024
Page 7 of 22
10. Declaration of An Emergency
a) Authority to Declare;
The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E. 9 as amended, Section 4. (1)
states;
"The head of council of a municipality may declare that an emergency exists in the municipality or in any
part thereof and may take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are
not contrary to law to implement the emergency plan of the municipality and to protect property and
the health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the emergency area"
b) Declaration Requirements
o Annex A - Declaration of Emergency document must be completed, signed by the head of
council or alternate and faxed to the Duty Officer in the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre
of Emergency Management Ontario.
o Annex B - Checklist in Consideration of a Declaration of Emergency document as a reference
too.
c) Action Prior to a Declaration
When an emergency exists but has not yet been declared to exist, community employees may take such
action(s) under this emergency response plan as may be required to protect property and the health,
safety and welfare of the Village of Burk's Falls.
d) Emergency Notification Procedures
Upon receipt of a warning of a real or potential emergency, the responding department will immediately
contact their municipalities CEMC or alternate CEMC, the respective Clerk or Mayor to request the
notification system be activated.
With receipt of the emergency warning the CEMC or alternate will notify all members of the Municipal
Emergency Control Group and will place MECG group on standby.
o Annex D -- MECG contact list.
Upon receipt of a warning of a real or potential emergency any member of the MECG may activate the
EOC. During an emergency the following locations will act as the EOC location for the Village of Burk's
Falls; The Council Chambers or the Upstairs hall at the Armour Ryerson Burk's Falls Arena.
Upon declaration by the Mayor(s) or alternate, the MECG shall activate the Plan and become
responsible for directing and controlling all emergency operations and for providing the necessary
personnel and resources.
e) Emergency Alert Levels
Due to the threat of an emergency developing or the potential for an emergency situation to change
over time, there are two different levels at which emergency personnel can be alerted. The emergency
levels are as follows:
Updated December 2024
Page 8 of 22
Full Alert - Under a "Full Alert" either all or selected members of the MECG, the Support Group and the
advisory staff, are contacted and are instructed to respond to the BEOC at a given time or as soon as
possible. The balance of the members of the groups will be advised to "Stand by".
Stand by Alert -- Under a "Standby Alert" either all or selected members of the MECG, Support Group
and the advisory staff are contacted and asked to "Stand by" for further information. This alert level may
be used if there is an emergency developing or the threat of an emergency occurring which does not
merit assembling the members of the above groups.
f) Requests for Assistance
Mutual Assistance from Municipalities;
Mutual Assistance Agreements enable Municipalities, in advance of an Emergency, to set the terms and
conditions of the assistance which may be requested or provided. Municipalities requesting and
providing assistance are therefore not required to negotiate the basic terms and conditions under
stressful conditions and may request, offer and receive assistance according to predetermined and
mutually agreeable relationships. Mutual Aid agreements may be enacted at the authority and direction
of the head of council or the alternate.
Provincial Assistance;
Assistance may be requested from Emergency Management Ontario at any time. Emergency
Management Ontario maintains a 24-hour duty roster and can co-ordinate assistance from a number of
Provincial agencies and the Federal Government, including Military Aid to the Civil Authority. When
requested by the Village of Burk's Falls, Emergency Management Ontario will send a staff member(s) to
the Village of Burk's Falls to provide Provincial liaison and advice on Provincial matters.
Assistance may be requested from the Province of Ontario at any time without any loss of control or
authority. Such a request shall be made to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services,
Emergency Management Ontario.
Mutual Aid agreements may be enacted at the authority and direction of the head of council or the
alternate.
In the event of a disease outbreak, the Medical Officer of Health can notify the Rapid Response Team of
the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for assistance. This can be done by contacting the Spills
Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 and requesting assistance from the Medical Specialist.
g) Termination of a State of Emergency
A Municipal Emergency may be terminated at any time by:
o The Mayor or Alternate Mayor,
o The Municipal Council as a whole
o The Premier of Ontario.
Upon termination of a Municipal Emergency the Mayor will notify:
o Local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP);
Updated December 2024
Page 9 of 22
o Local Member of Parliament (MP);
o Emergency Management Ontario, and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional
Services through the Provincial Operations Centre Duty Officer;
o The Municipal Council, and;
o Public and neighbouring community officials, as required.
o Annex C -- Termination of Emergency
11. Emergency Operations Centre & the Operating Cycle
In the event of an Emergency, the EOC will be activated. The MECG and support groups will congregate
and work together at the EOC to make decisions, share information and provide support as required to
mitigate the effects of the emergency.
The location for the EOC will be dependent on the type of emergency and severity of the events, the
following locations will act as the EOC location for the Village of Burk's Falls;
Operating Cycle
An operations cycle is how the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) manages overall emergency
operations. MECG members will come together usually around a planning board or map at which time
they will in turn report their agencies' status to the Mayor or Alternate. It is essential that every
member, covering each area of responsibility, be heard from during this process. The MECG is a team,
and the actions taken by one, or the lack of action by one, may have a significant impact upon
operations.
The round table discussion should include problems, questions, resources requests and any other
relevant information so that timely informed decisions can be made as a group. Once the meeting is
completed, the members should contact their agencies' and pass on any relevant information or
directives that come out of the MECG meeting. The frequency of the meetings is determined by the
Mayor, but should reflect the pace of the emergency and occur on a scheduled basis which may be
adjusted accordingly.
12. Municipal Emergency Control Group
a) Composition
Emergency response operations will be directed and controlled by the following officials or their
alternates at the EOC. The representatives requested to attend the EOC will be dependent of the type
and severity of the emergency. Although not all members may be required to attend the EOC, all
members of the MECG must be notified.
o
Mayor
o
CAO
o
CEMC
b) Support Group
o Emergency Management Ontario Representative
o TransCanada Pipeline Representative
o CN Representative
Updated December 2024
Page 10 of 22
o Lakeland Energy Representative
o Enbridge Gas Representative
o Road Department representative
o Ontario Provincial Police representative
o Medical Health of Officer, or alternate
o Emergency Medical Service representative or alternate
o Fire Chief, or alternate
o Liaison staff from provincial ministries
o Municipal Administrative Staff
o Non-Governmental Organization
Any other officials, experts or representatives from the public or private sector as deemed necessary by
the MECG
c) Roles and Responsibilities of the Municipal Emergency Control Group
1) Advise the Mayor as to whether the declaration of an emergency is recommended;
2) Designate any area(s) in the municipality as an emergency site(s);
3) Determine the requirement to call or establish advisory sub-groups as may be required to
support implementation of emergency operations;
4) Determining if the composition of the MECG is appropriate;
5) Direct and coordinate the responding service and agencies to ensure that all action necessary
for the mitigation of the emergency are taken expeditiously and are in accordance with the law;
6) Provide recommendations on the spending of public funds for the implementation of the Plan;
7) Appoint, or confirm the appointment of an Emergency Site Manager(s) who will be the
Emergency Control Group's representative on site and will be responsible for the organization
and coordination of all emergency response agencies at the emergency site;
8) Develop and implement aims, priorities, and strategies in consultation with the Emergency Site
Manager;
9) Approve or endorse the proposed courses of action for the resolution of the emergency;
10) Direct the evacuation of buildings, or areas within the emergency site(s), if necessary;
11) Direct the dispersal or removal of person from the emergency site(s) who are in danger, or
whose presence hinders emergency operations;
12) Direct the discontinuation of public/private utilities or services due to safety or the efficient
functioning of emergency operations, if required;
13) Direct the activation and operation of reception centre to provide temporary accommodation to
all residents who are in need of assistance due to displacement as a result of an emergency;
14) Coordinating and directing their service and ensuring that any actions necessary for the
mitigation of the effects of the emergency are taken, provided they are not contrary to law;
15) Ensuring that pertinent information regarding the emergency is promptly forwarded to the
Emergency Information Officer for dissemination to the media and public;
16) Maintaining a log outlining decisions made and actions taken and submitting a summary of the
log to the Clerk(s) within one week of the termination of emergency, as required, and;
17) Participate in the debriefing following the emergency.
Updated December 2024
Page 11 of 22
d) Individual Responsibilities of MECG members
i.
Mayor
The Mayor is ultimately responsible for the response to the emergency. The Mayor (or Alternate
Mayor), and with the advice from the MECG is responsible for:
1) Ordering the activation of the Emergency Response Plan;
2) Declaring an emergency to exist and where practical, identifying the area or location of the
emergency within the Village of Burk's Falls;
3) Declaring an emergency to be terminated;
4) Notifying the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services of the declaration of an
emergency and termination of declaration of an emergency;
5) Ensuring that Town Councillors are advised of the declaration and termination of the declaration
of the emergency, and are kept apprised of the emergency situation;
6) Ensuring that the public, the media, neighbouring Municipal officials, if required, are also
advised of both the declaration and termination of the emergency;
7) In Consultation with the Emergency Information Officer approve news releases and public
announcements;
8) Formally requesting Provincial or Federal government assistance through the Treasury Board of
Canada Secretariat, Emergency Management Ontario;
9) Participate in an after-action report and a corrective action report;
10) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken, and;
11) Conducting and taking part in post-emergency debriefing.
ii.
CAO or Alternate
1) Activating the emergency notification system;
2) As the Emergency Site Manager, coordinate all operations within the Emergency Operations
Centre, including the scheduling of regular meetings;
3) Advising the Mayor or alternate on policies and procedures, as appropriate;
4) Approving in coordination with the Mayor or alternate, major announcements and media
releases;
5) Ensuring a communication link is established between the MECG and Incident Command;
6) Calling out additional township staff to provide assistance, as required;
7) Overseeing the issuance of all purchase orders required to support the emergency response,
and tracking of all expenditures;
8) Ensuring that adequate insurance coverage is in place to cover staff, volunteers and
rented/leased equipment;
9) Coordinating the provision of transportation when requested by other departments Emergency
Site Manager;
10) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken, and;
11) Participate in an after-action report and a corrective action report.
iii.
CEMC or Alternate
1) Activating and arranging the EOC;
2) Ensuring that security is in place for the EOC and registration of MECG members;
3) Ensuring all members of MECG have necessary plans, resources, supplies, maps and equipment;
4) Provide advice and clarification about the implementation details of the Emergency Response
Plan;
Updated December 2024
Page 12 of 22
5) Acting as a liaison with community support agencies, e.g Canadian Red Cross, 211;
6) Ensure that maps and status boards are kept up to date;
7) Ensuring compliance with Act;
8) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken;
9) Creating an after-action report in conjunction with MECG, and;
10) Creating a Corrective Action Report in conjunction with MECG;
iv.
Fire Chief or Alternate
1) Providing the MECG with information and advice on firefighting and rescue matters;
2) Depending on the nature of the emergency assign the Incident Commander and inform the
MECG;
3) Establishing an ongoing communication link between the senior fire official at the Incident
Command;
4) Determining if additional or special equipment is needed and recommending possible sources of
supply, e.g. breathing apparatus, protective clothing;
5) Provide assistance to other community departments and agencies if necessary;
6) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken, and;
7) Participate in an after-action report and a corrective action report.
v.
Road/Public Works Department Representative or Alternate
1) Provide the MECG with information regarding infrastructure;
2) Establish communications with the senior road/public works department official that is on
scene;
3) Liaise with neighboring communities to ensure a coordinated response which is supported by
road/public works departments;
4) Liaison with public utility companies to ensure proper disconnect of services, if required;
5) Facilitate and assist with emergency potable water, supplies and sanitation facilities to the
requirements of the Medical Officer of Health;
6) Provide road department vehicles and equipment as required by any other emergency service;
7) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken, and;
8) Participate in an after-action report and a corrective action report.
vi.
Almaguin Highlands Division of the Ontario Provincial Police Representative
1) Notifying necessary emergency and community services, as required;
2) Establishing an ongoing communications link with the senior police official at the scene of the
emergency;
3) Establishing the inner perimeter within the emergency area;
4) Establishing the outer perimeter in the vicinity of the emergency to facilitate the movement of
emergency vehicles and restrict access to all but essential emergency personnel;
5) Providing traffic control staff to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles;
6) Alerting persons endangered by the emergency and coordinating evacuation procedures;
7) Ensuring the protection of life and property and the provision of law and order;
8) Providing police service in EOC, evacuee centers, morgues, and other facilities, as required;
9) Notifying the coroner of fatalities;
10) Liaise with media when necessary;
11) Implement Continuity of Operations Plan in the event of internal failure of our infrastructure,
and;
12) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken.
Updated December 2024
Page 13 of 22
vii.
Medical Officer of Health or Alternate
1) Coordinates public health services with various Emergency Control Group members and related
agencies in the Emergency Operations Centre;
2) Provides advice to the public and local health care professionals on matters which may
adversely affect public health within North Bay and Parry Sound District. (e.g toxic spills, water
quality, air quality);
3) Liaises with Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Division and area
Medical Officers of Health as required to augment and coordinate a public health response as
required;
4) Coordinates the surveillance and response to communicate disease-related emergencies or
anticipated epidemics according to Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care directives;
5) Ensure the coordination of vaccine/antiviral storage, handling and distribution across North Bay
and Parry Sound District;
6) Initiates and implements mass vaccination clinics during outbreaks of disease within affected
municipalities in North Bay and parry Sound District;
7) Liaises with Director of Public Utilities or alternate within affected municipalities to ensure the
provision of potable water, community sanitation, maintenance and sanitary facilities;
8) Provides inspection of evacuation centers, makes recommendations and initiates; remedial
action in areas of accommodations standards related to;
a. Overcrowding, sewage and waste disposal;
b. Monitoring of water supply, air quality, sanitation;
c. Food handling, storage, preparation, distribution and service;
9) Liaises with local social service agencies on areas of mutual concern regarding evacuation
centers related to public health information;
10) Advises on or orders any necessary evacuation, isolation or quarantine measures;
11) Provides instruction and health information through public service announcements and
information networks;
12) Issues orders if necessary, to mitigate or eliminate health hazards as per the Health Protection
and Promotion Act;
13) In the event of mass casualties, the Health Unit will monitor the situation to ensure early and
sanitary disposition of human remains in order to minimize the spread of disease, and;
14) Liaises with the District Coroner to coordinate the activities of the mortuary within the
community and provide assistance when necessary.
viii.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Representative
1) Ensuring emergency medical services at the emergency site;
2) Establishing an ongoing communications link with the senior EMS official at the scene of the
emergency;
3) Obtaining EMS from other municipalities for support, if required;
4) Ensuring triage at the site;
5) Advising the MECG if other means of transportation is required for large scale response;
6) Liaising with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Central Ambulance Communications
Centre to ensure balanced emergency coverage is available at all times throughout the
community;
7) Ensuring liaison with the receiving hospitals;
8) Ensuring liaison with the Medical Officer of Health, as required, and;
9) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken.
Updated December 2024
Page 14 of 22
ix.
Non-Governmental Agency
1) Registration and Inquiry (R&I) Services: Assists in reuniting families;
2) Collects information and answers inquiries regarding the conditions and whereabouts of missing
persons;
3) Emergency Feeding: Provides food or meals to those persons without food or food preparation
facilities;
4) Emergency Clothing: Supplies clothing or emergency covering until regular sources of supply are
available;
5) Personal Services: Provides for the initial reception of disaster victims arriving at Reception
Centers; informs them of immediate emergency help available; offers temporary care for
unattended children and dependent adults/elderly; assists with the temporary care of residents
from Special Care Facilities; and offers immediate and ongoing emotional support to people
with personal problems and needs created or aggravated by a disaster. Particular personal
services may be coordinated through the MECG and contracted with local service providers to
meet special needs of disaster victims;
6) Maintaining a personal log of all actions taken, and;
7) Emergency Lodging: Arranges for safe, immediate, temporary lodging for homeless or
evacuated people and is comprised of the following elements;
-
Lodging Management: Provide supervision and administrative support for Red Cross functions
within the lodging facility. Ensure that the needs of facility occupants are being met.
Designation, evaluation as per the guidelines established by Health Canada, set up and a space
utilization plan for each temporary shelter is the responsibility of the Emergency Management
Program Committee and/or MECG.
-
Registration: Ensure that all occupants are registered upon arrival. Maintain a system for
checking occupants in and out when they leave for any period of time. Manage the system of
record keeping for registrations.
-
Feeding: Supervise on-site food preparation and service for residents and workers. Advise the
Logistics/Feeding Manager of needed supplies. Ensure that the food ordering system is
established and implemented. Keep accurate records of food and supplies received and
expended. Prepare and monitor the food service staff work schedule. Record the hours of
personnel as requested.
-
Management of Sleeping Area: Set up sleeping areas. Assign residents to sleeping areas.
Coordinate with Logistics staff for cots, blankets and comfort kits if available.
-
Personal Client Services: In coordination with MECG, organize and administer childcare,
recreation, transportation, first aid, pet care and other services as needed. Identify residents
needing additional services and collaborate with appropriate sources to meet such needs.
-
Volunteer/Staff Recruitment, Training and Placement: Recruit, place and support staff
assigned to the lodging facility. Provide opportunities to residents to serve as volunteers in the
facility. Manage other local volunteer organizations.
-
Logistics: Provide support for the use of the facility. Ensure the safety, security and sanitation
for the lodging facility. Procure, store and distribute supplies and equipment to the lodging
facility. Work with the representative of the facility to ensure that the building is used properly.
In coordination with MECG, contract out some specialized logistics services i.e. security and
sanitation.
Updated December 2024
Page 15 of 22
x.
Emergency Information Officer
1) Advise the EMCG on matters pertaining to public information, public affairs, and media
relations;
2) Gather, process and disseminate information for use by the EMCG
3) Formulate public information and media releases for review by the Mayor or alternate
4) Upon approval of the Mayor/alternate release information to the public and media;
5) Direct the establishment and operation of a Media centre
6) Prepare and distribute public announcements, instructions, or warnings as directed by the
Mayor or alternate;
7) Provide public relations support as required;
8) Coordinate all media request, including arrangements for supervised tours near the emergency
site(s);
9) Maintain a detailed log of all actions taken by the Emergency Information Officer
10) Participate in a post-emergency debriefing
211 Notification and Communication
Municipal Responsibilities
1) Notify 211 when an event has occurred.
2) Maintain a line of communication with 211 thought-out the event providing authoritative,
accurate information that can be relayed to the public
3) Inform residents that they can call 211 for non-emergency information. This can be done
through street signs, press releases, the media and other sources.
4) Inform 211 when the emergency event ends.
Responsibilities of 211 Representative
1) The 211 staff person who receives notification of an emergency event will document the
information using a format that captures what, where, who, when etc. and the name and
contact information of the person providing the information.
2) Answer non-emergency calls from the public 24/7/365.
3) Ensure the network of 211 service providers in Ontario is notified, can access the most current
information about the event and is available to provide support if needed.
Updated December 2024
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ANNEX A - DECLARATION FORM
Municipality:
District of:
I, _________________________________, (Mayor or Alternate), hereby declare a state of local
Emergency in accordance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, , R.S.O. 1990, c.E.9,
as amended, due to the emergency described herein;
For the Emergency Area or part thereof described as (geographic area);
Signed
Title
This_____day of ________________ 202___ at ________ A.M/PM
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE VILLAGE OF BURKS FALLS
(Note: Fax to EMO Duty Officer @ 416-314-6220)
Updated December 2024
Page 17 of 22
ANNEX B - CHECKLIST IN CONSIDERATION OF A DECLARATION OF
EMERGENCY
(Note: All references in this document refer to the Emergency Management and Civil
Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter E.9, as amended 2006)
* This checklist is for use by municipal heads of council considering the declaration of an emergency
within their municipality. This checklist is not intended to provide any sort of legal advice - it is merely
a reference tool.
An emergency is defined under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act as "a situation,
or an 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" [Section 1,
definition of an emergency].
Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, only the head of council of a
municipality (or his or her designate) and the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Premier have the
authority to declare an emergency. The Premier, the head of council, as well as a municipal council,
have the authority to terminate an emergency declaration [Sections 4 (1), (2), (4)].
An emergency declaration may extend to all, or any part of the geographical area under the
jurisdiction of the municipality [Section 4 (1)].
If the decision is made to declare an emergency, the municipality must notify Emergency
Management Ontario (on behalf of the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services) as
soon as possible [Section 4 (3)]. Although a verbal declaration of emergency is permitted, all
declarations should ultimately be made in writing to ensure proper documentation is maintained.
Written declarations should be made on municipal letterhead, using the template provided by
Emergency Management Ontario, and should be faxed to (416) 314-0474. When declaring an
emergency, please notify the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre at 1-866-314-0472.
When considering whether to declare an emergency, a positive response to one or more of the
following criteria may indicate that a situation, whether actual or anticipated, warrants the
declaration of an emergency:
General and Government:
Is the situation an extraordinary event requiring extraordinary measures? Section 4 (1) permits a
head of council to "take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are
not contrary to law" during an emergency.
Does the situation pose a danger of major proportions to life or property? Section 1, definition of an
emergency.
Does the situation pose a threat to the provision of essential services (e.g., energy, potable water,
sewage treatment/containment, supply of goods or medical care)? Some situations may require
extraordinary measures be taken or expenditures be made to maintain or restore essential services. A
declaration of emergency may allow a head of council to expend funds outside of his or her spending
resolutions and/or the regular approval process of the municipality.
Updated December 2024
Page 18 of 22
Does the situation threaten social order and the ability to govern? Whether due to a loss of
infrastructure or social unrest (e.g., a riot), a crisis situation has the potential to threaten a council's
ability to govern. In such cases, extraordinary measures may need to be taken. Section 4 (1)
provides for extraordinary measures, not contrary to law. Section 55 (1) of the Police Services Act
provides for the creation of special policing arrangements during an emergency.
Is the event attracting significant media and/or public interest? Experience demonstrates that the
media and public often view the declaration of an emergency as a decisive action toward addressing a
crisis. It must be made clear that an "emergency" is a legal declaration and does not indicate that the
municipality has lost control. An emergency declaration provides an opportunity to highlight action
being taken under your municipal emergency response plan.
Has there been a declaration of emergency by another level of government? [A declaration of
emergency on the part of another level of government (e.g., lower-tier, upper- tier, provincial,
federal) may indicate that you should declare an emergency within your municipality. For example, in
the event of a widespread disaster affecting numerous lower-tier municipalities within a county, the
county will likely need to enact its emergency response plan and should strongly consider the
declaration of an emergency. In some cases, however, a declaration of emergency by a higher level
of government may provide sufficient authorities to the lower-tier communities involved (e.g.,
municipalities operating under the authority of a provincial or federal declaration).]
Legal:
Might legal action be taken against municipal employees or councillors related to their actions
during the current crisis? Section 11 (1) states that "no action or other proceeding lies or shall be
instituted against a member of council, an employee of a municipality, an employee of a local services
board, an employee of a district social services administration board, a minister of the Crown, a Crown
employee or any other individual acting pursuant to this Act or an order made under this Act for any
act done in good faith in the exercise or performance or the intended exercise or performance of any
power or duty under this Act or an order under this Act or for neglect or default in the good faith
exercise or performance of such a power or duty." Section 11 (3), however, states "subsection (1) does
not relieve a municipality of liability for the acts or omissions of a member of council or an employee
of the municipality...."
Are volunteers assisting? The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act provides that persons who assist in
connection with a declared emergency are considered "workers" under the Act and are eligible for
benefits if they become injured or ill as a result of the assistance they are providing. This is in addition to
workers already covered by the Act.
Operational:
Does the situation require a response that exceeds, or threatens to exceed the capabilities of the
municipality for either resources or deployment of personnel? Section 4 (1) permits the head of
council to "take such action and make such orders as he or she considers necessary and are not
contrary to law to implement the emergency plan." Section 13 (3) empowers a municipal council to
"make an agreement with the council of any other municipality or with any person for the provision of
any personnel, service, equipment or material during an emergency."
Updated December 2024
Page 19 of 22
Does the situation create sufficient strain on the municipal response capability that areas within
the municipality may be impacted by a lack of services, thereby further endangering life and
property outside areas directly affected by the current crisis? Some situations may require the
creation of special response agreements between the municipality and other jurisdictions, private
industry, non-government organizations, etc. Section 13 (3) states that the "council of a municipality
may make an agreement with the council of any other municipality or with any person for the
provision of personnel, service, equipment or material during an emergency."
Is it a consideration that the municipal response may be of such duration that additional personnel
and resources may be required to maintain the continuity of operations? In the event of a large-
scale crisis, such as an epidemic or prolonged natural disaster, municipal resources may not be able to
sustain an increased operational tempo for more than a few days. This is particularly true if
emergency workers are injured or become ill as a result of the crisis. In such a case, the municipality
may need to utilize outside emergency response personnel. Section 13 (3) provides for mutual
assistance agreements between municipalities.
Does, or might, the situation require provincial support or resources? Provincial response (e.g., air
quality monitoring, scientific advice, airlift capabilities, material resources, etc.) may involve numerous
ministries and personnel. Activation of the municipal emergency response plan, including the opening
of the Emergency Operations Centre and meeting of the Community Control Group, can greatly
facilitate multi-agency and multi- government response.
Does, or might, the situation require assistance from the federal government (e.g., military
equipment)? Section 13 (2) authorizes the Solicitor General, with the approval of the Lieutenant
Governor in Council, to make agreements with the federal government. In Canada, federal emergency
assistance is accessed through, and coordinated by, the province. The declaration of an emergency may
assist a municipality in obtaining federal assistance.
Does the situation involve a structural collapse? Structural collapses involving the entrapment of
persons may require the deployment of one or more Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) teams.
Ontario has a HUSAR team. This team is specially equipped and trained to rescue persons trapped as a
result of a structural collapse. Any municipality in the province can request a HUSAR deployment to a
declared emergency. Requests for HUSAR resources should be made through your local mutual aid fire
coordinator. Approval for the dispatch of the HUSAR team comes from the Commissioner of
Emergency Management.
Is the situation a large-scale or complex chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN)
incident? Response to CBRN incidents requires specialized resources and training. Ontario is
developing three CBRN teams to respond to incidents throughout the province. CBRN teams are only
dispatched to declared emergencies. Requests for a CBRN deployment should be made through your
local mutual aid fire coordinator. Approval for the dispatch of CBRN teams comes from the
Commissioner of Emergency Management.
Does the situation require, or have the potential to require the evacuation and/or shelter of people
or animals [livestock] from your municipality? Evacuee and reception centres often use volunteers as
staff. As noted above, the declaration of an emergency enacts certain parts of the Workplace
Insurance and Safety Act related to volunteer workers. Secondly, an evacuation or sheltering of citizens
has the potential to generate issues pertaining to liability. Section 11 of the Emergency Management
and Civil Protection Act may provide municipal councillors and employees with certain protections
against personal liability.
Updated December 2024
Page 20 of 22
Will your municipality be receiving evacuees from another community? The issues discussed in the
previous bullet may apply equally to municipalities accepting evacuees.
Economic and Financial:
Does the situation pose a large-scale disruption to routine patterns of transportation, or re-routing
of large numbers of people and vehicles? The rerouting of people and vehicles poses a potential
liability risk. Keeping persons from their homes and delaying commercial traffic are both sensitive
issues. Section 11 of the Act may provide certain protection from liability. Section 4 (1) allows for
extraordinary measures to be taken, providing they are not contrary to law.
Is an event likely to have a long term negative impact on a community's economic
viability/sustainability, including resulting unemployment, lack of available banking services and
restorative measures necessary to re- establish commercial activity? The declaration of an
emergency may facilitate the ability of the municipality to respond to economic losses.
Is it possible that a specific person, corporation, or other party has caused the situation? Section
12 states that "where money is expended or cost is incurred by a municipality or the Crown in the
implementation of an emergency plan or in connection with an emergency, the municipality or the
Crown, as the case may be, has a right of action against any person who caused the emergency for
the recovery of such money or cost...."
Updated December 2024
Page 21 of 22
ANNEX C - TERMINATION FORM
I, __________________________________________ (Mayor or Alternate) hereby declare that the
emergency related to ____________________________________ is terminated in accordance with the
(State the general description of the declared emergency)
Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990.
Signed
Title
This_____day of ________________ 201___ at ________ A.M/PM
IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF THE VILLAGE OF BURKS FALLS
Fax to Provincial Emergency Operations Centre Duty Officer @ 416-314-6220
Updated December 2024
Page 22 of 22
ANNEX D - DISTRIBUTION LIST
COPY NUMBER
LOCATION
ISSUED DD/MM/YYYY
1
Village Municipal Office
01/01/2020
2
Community Emergency Management
Coordinator
09/12/2024
ANNEX E - AMENDMENTS
UPDATED DD/MM/YYYY
COMMENTS
UPDATED BY
28/10/2015
Created Plan
E. Kellogg - CEMC
22/09/2017
Review & Update EMPC
L. Fetterley - CEMC
01/11/2018
Review & Update EMPC
E. Kellogg - CEMC
22/11/2019
Review & Update EMPC
E. Kellogg - CEMC
11/11/2020
Review & Update EMPC
G. Rutledge - CEMC
12/12/2024
Review & Update EMPC
A. Tilley - CEMC