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Flooding in Armstrong in May 2017 that led to the city declaring a state of emergency (Photo credit: City of Armstrong).
By Pete McIntyre
strategic plan

Armstrong makes emergency planning a priority

Mar 28, 2022 | 2:30 PM

Armstrong’s mayor said the city will be more prepared for emergency incidents by adding emergency planning as a goal for its 2022 strategic plan.

“An emergency is never planned, but we must be as prepared as we can be for any event and this process will ensure that we are ready,” said Mayor Chris Pieper.

The new objective makes emergency response measures a council priority in an effort to improve the city’s preparedness, response and recovery for incidents like wildfires and flooding.

Among the new measures are a dedicated Emergency Operations Centre in the new city hall, creating city hall emergency response and safety plans, developing a community emergency evacuation plan and the completion of a White Rock Lake wildfire after-action review.

The city will be hosting a public-information meeting during Emergency Preparedness week in May.

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“This is a further commitment from council that shows that they are invested in ensuring that the city is taking steps to mitigate risk, are prepared and responsive to emergencies and are taking steps to pre-invest in recovery needs before incidents occur,” said Community Services manager Warren Smith.

The newly updated strategic plan also includes goals for affordable housing, economic development, public infrastructure such as roads, sewer, and stormwater, and updating several key planning bylaws, such as the Official Community Plan, zoning and building bylaws.

The plan guides municipal operations and is used for assessing progress and results for success during council’s term.

The 2022 strategic plan is available for review on the city’s website.

by Pete McIntyre
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