Emergency Information

This is the official source for emergency information from the CVRD.

This is where the CVRD will post notices about local emergency declarations, emergency evacuation alerts, orders and rescinds and updates from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) if the EOC is active. 

BOOKMARK this page for future reference.

COVID-19

The CVRD has established a Regional District Services Restoration Plan, a coordinated corporate strategy to reopen facilities and restore program and service delivery. 

Stage 1 of the restoration plan, effective mid-May to mid-June. Please visit the COVID-19 Information page for details and links to resources.


Evacuation Alerts, Orders and Rescinds

January 5, 2021 - 6:30 p.m.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) of the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has issued an Evacuation Alert for an area in Cowichan Bay/North Cowichan due to rising floodwaters.

Icon showing Emergency White status, which means no immediate concerns.
This white logo rotating on the homepage indicates there is no major emergency or disaster in the region at this time. If there is no major emergency, this logo may be replaced by other more pressing issues.
Icon showing Emergency Yellow status, click for more information.
This yellow logo rotating on the homepage indicates that there is an emergency occurring such as a wildfire, flood or other situation and this is where you can get up-to-date information on the situation and its potential impacts.
Icon showing Emergency Red status, click for more information.This red logo on the homepage indicates that there is a major emergency or disaster occurring that requires prompt action from people within the outlined area. Up-to-date information will be provided here and at radio outlets such as JUICE FM 89.7.

Update - March 13, 2020

The CVRD has established a Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) to assess and respond to the public safety risk posed by COVID-19. Please read the News Release for more information.

Please visit our dedicated page for information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  

Updates - February 14, 2020

State of local emergency ends as conditions normalize across the region

Updates - February 6, 2020

Extension of State of Local Emergency

State of local emergency extended as impact assessment and flood recovery continues

Extension Request for State of Local Emergency

Updates - February 5, 2020

Disaster Financial Assistance Available

Disaster financial assistance available to flood affected Cowichan Valley residents

Updates - February 2, 2020

State of Local Emergency Remains in Effect

Conditions across Cowichan region improve overnight, state of local emergency and evacuation order remain in effect

Evacuation order lifted, resiliency centre to be established to support affected residents

Evacuation Rescind for Crofton/Westholme

Red Cross Flood Recovery Guide

Updates - February 1, 2020

The Cowichan Valley Regional District declared a state of local emergency for the region, as widespread flooding forced resident evacuations and cut off key transportation corridors. Please see the links below for more information:

Cowichan Valley declares state of local emergency as intense localized flooding forces evacuations and disrupts transportation 

UPDATE #1 re: State of Local Emergency – Transportation corridors remain affected, water levels in some areas have stabilized 

UPDATE #2 re: State of Local Emergency – Highway 1 reopened in both directions, power outages persist

UPDATE #3 re: State of Local Emergency - Threat of further flooding subsides, state of local emergency continues

Evacuation Order for Crofton/Westholme

What You Can Do to Stay Up-To-Date

Emergency updates are also issued across the CVRD social media channels. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Monitor before an emergency happens:

Stay informed during active emergency events:

  • Right here, on the CVRD Emergency Information page
  • BC Wildfire – for current wildfire activity
  • MOE Spills Info – for spill incident overviews
  • Emergency Info BC – for provincial advisories
  • Local radio stations and newspaper

To report specific types of hazards:

  • Potential floods, landslides, spills or other hazards (24 hr): Provincial reporting line: 1-800-663-3456
  • Wildfire: BC Wildfire reporting line: 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell
  • Downed power lines or other electrical hazards: BC Hydro 1-800-224-9376 or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile or 911 if there is an immediate fire hazard.
  • A gas leak: FortisBC Emergency Line: 1-800-663-9911 or 911
  • A problem on a highway: Drive BC

Being prepared will help you and your family get through a disaster. Visit the Emergency Preparedness page for helpful tips and resources.