Cortes Island residents have an opportunity to share their knowledge of local hazards and help guide future emergency planning during a community workshop today, October 20.

The session takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mansons Hall as part of the Strathcona Regional District’s development of a new Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis.

Participants will discuss hazards affecting the community and take part in a mapping exercise to identify where potential risks may exist. The workshop will also include an update on the development of the Cortes Island Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.

Forrest Berman-Hatch will facilitate the session. No advance registration is required, and pizza will be provided.

The regional district says residents’ observations will help determine local risk levels and identify priorities for reducing hazards and improving emergency preparedness.

“Residents bring valuable local knowledge and firsthand experience that help us better understand the risks facing our communities,” SRD board chair Mark Baker said in the district’s announcement about the broader project.

The analysis is intended to help communities make informed decisions about emergency planning, including how to address vulnerabilities, reduce potential impacts and prepare for disaster response and recovery. Cortes Island is among several communities participating in the regional initiative.

Strathcona Regional District Manager of Emergency Services Shaun Koopman said technical data provides only part of the picture. Residents can explain how hazards affect people, properties and critical infrastructure, helping emergency planners identify areas of concern and decide where risk-reduction efforts should be focused.

Today’s workshop brings that broader assessment together with wildfire planning, giving residents a chance to contribute local knowledge while learning about work underway to improve the island’s wildfire resilience.

Anyone unable to attend can still share their observations through a roughly ten-minute online survey. The regional district’s current project page lists the survey closing date as January 22, 2027.

You can also provide your feedback by completing a 10-minute long online survey available at Strathcona Regional District.