YELLOWKNIFE (June 6, 2013) – Workshops being held across the NWT will help residents identify hazards and risks in their communities. Information gathered during these regional hazard identification risk assessments will be used to improve emergency planning and preparedness in the Northwest Territories. The workshops are being hosted by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.
“Understanding the hazards and risks that our communities face and gathering information from residents, community governments and other stakeholders is an important step in emergency planning,” said Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs Robert C. McLeod. “Through the hazard identification risk assessment workshops we can aid territorial and municipal governments in planning for emergency situations.”
A diverse selection of authorities, interest groups, experts, industry representatives and stakeholders will take part in the hazard identification risk assessments. Workshop participants will help identify risks and assess their potential impacts on communities, including how they could affect critical infrastructure, property and the environment. A report on workshop results will help inform future emergency planning activities.
Stakeholders and residents can take part in the assessments through an online survey available at www.maca.gov.nt.ca or by attending a workshop.
The schedule for regional workshops is:
- Fort Simpson on June 11, 2013 at the Community Hall from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Fort Smith on June 13, 2013 at Aurora College from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Norman Wells on July 8, 2013 at the Royal Canadian Legion from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
- Inuvik on July 10, 2013 at Ingamo Hall from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Yellowknife (session for community governments only) on July 12, 2013 at the Tree of Peace from 9:00 am-12:00 pm
- Yellowknife (open session) on July 12, 2013 at the Tree of Peace from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Ensuring the NWT is prepared for emergencies by having informed territorial and municipal emergency plans in place is a part of realizing the goal of creating sustainable, vibrant and safe communities as envisioned in the goals of the 17th Assembly of the Government of the Northwest Territories.
For more information, contact:
David Maguire
Communications and Web Advisor
Municipal and Community Affairs
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-3092
Email: david_maguire@gov.nt.ca