A recent operational change will lead to improved Emergency Support Services (ESS) locally, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen says.
The RDOS and City of Penticton are teaming up to provide ESS for residents across the region, officials from both governments announced this week.
Changes are operational and amount to transitioning the reporting structure from the City of Penticton to the RDOS. There will be no changes to the level of service for Penticton residents.
"Penticton ESS provides much-needed support to residents within the City of Penticton and also provides host community services to residents in other municipalities and electoral areas as well as support for syilx Okanagan communities if requested,” said Deborah Jones-Middleton, the RDOS' senior manager of protective services. “The regional district will support the Penticton ESS team through planning, training exercises and during emergency response.”
The service, effective immediately, will be provided at no additional cost to the City of Penticton.
According to the city, it will reduce Penticton's "financial commitment to maintaining resources while improving the capacity and capability of the team and the service to our residents."
“When reviewing the needs of the city, and the efficacy of the team, we have observed several areas that could be significantly strengthened by having the RDOS manage the ESS operations," said Mike Larsson, Penticton's fire chief.
"Leveraging regional resources to maintain an ESS program will allow the City’s Emergency Management program to focus more on preparedness and building community resilience through focused initiatives."
