The Paintearth Regional Emergency Management Partnership hosted a "functional exercise" in Coronation on Nov. 14.
Objectives of the exercise were to practice notification, activation and operations of the County of Paintearth's emergency management plans.
The exercise featured 25 participants, both administration and elected officials, from Coronation, Castor, Halkirk, and the county, as well as 13 volunteers from Coronation High School, who served as "victims."
Members of the Government of Alberta were on hand supervising the day-long exercise.
According to the post-exercise report, the Town of Coronation was under threat of wildfire, and the exercise focused on evacuations, providing emergency social services to town residents and supporting the region's first responders.
While some "gaps" in establishing an effective response were noted, Paintearth County Director of Emergency Management Todd Pawsey noted that it "was a decent exercise."
Under Government of Alberta Legislation, the county and its partners are required to hold tabletop exercises such as this one at least every three years to prepare for a situation that might occur in real life.
Legislation states that municipalities are required to do their own emergency management preparation, however, there is also mechanisms in place for the multiple municipalities to come together to form regional emergency management programs such as the one run by Paintearth County.
"Todd was impressed with Coronation's exercise, as they had all staff there and ran a great simulation," said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Michael Simpson.
Town Hall
The County of Paintearth hosted a town hall in Halkirk on Nov. 25.
According to CAO Simpson, the purpose of the meeting was to let residents of the community know about what changes they can expect when the county officially takes over administration of the village, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 1, 2025.
Simpson stated that the town hall was a two-way dialogue with him asking residents about thoughts on bylaw enforcement, water and sewer repairs, and utility bills while also providing an opportunity to answer questions they may have as well.
Recreation Grant
A Castor Boys volleyball team has requested, and been approved for, grant funding during its Nov. 26 meeting.
The County has a $5,000 annual budget to support youth recreation and culture and supports $50 for individuals and up to $500 for teams.
Castor's High School Volleyball team, which participated in provincials from Nov. 20-23, was granted $500, per policy.
