Evacuations from wildfires are front and centre in the news right now. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by these disasters. You may be wondering: how can I be more prepared?

First, while we should all be prepared for evacuations, most emergencies do not require evacuations. Most of the time, it is best to avoid unnecessary travel or shelter in place.

Evacuations are typically smaller in nature, the most common being single-residence structure fires that result in an uninhabitable structure. There is a common perception that the whole island may need to be evacuated. While we never say never in emergency management, it is more likely that a smaller area is directly impacted.

Know Your Hazards

Hazard emergencies that could require an evacuation include:

Fire – structure and wildfire Flooding Landslides Tsunamis and earthquakes HAZMAT incidents Storms (tree on house, etc.) Make a Plan

Prepare for an ev…

The annual Cycle of Life Tour, is happening on July 18-19 and will see 100 riders cycle from Victoria, through the Saanich Peninsula, over to Salt Spring Island and back to Victoria. On Saturday, July 18, the cyclists will be on the 1:45 p.m. ferry from Swartz Bay – Fulford which is different from prior years, and will be riding two different routes to their overnight venue on Rainbow Rd., arriving by 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, July 19, cyclists will leave the venue on Rainbow Rd. at 9:00 a.m. and will ride to the Fulford ferry terminal where they will catch the 11:10 a.m. ferry to Swartz Bay. There will also be a few support vehicles on the road with the riders on both days. This fundraising event supports Vancouver Island hospices and Salt Spring Island Hospice. Riders are from up and down the island and are currently at a fundraising total of more than $338,000 in support of compassionate end-of-life care. We are grateful for the continued support of residents and busines…

A test of the BC Emergency Alert system will occur at 1:55 p.m. (Pacific time) on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, during Emergency Preparedness Week. The test alert will be sent to all compatible cellphones and will interrupt radio and television broadcasts. The alert will be clearly identified as a test and will not require any action from the public. The test message to cellphones will resemble the following: “This is a TEST of the Emergency Alert system. This is ONLY a TEST. In an emergency, this message would tell you what to do to stay safe. This information could save your life. This is ONLY a TEST. No action is required.” To receive alerts, cellphones must be: - turned on - connected to an LTE cellular network - not set to “do not disturb” or airplane mode - wireless public alerting (WPA) compatible - within the alert area and have up-to-date cellular software - Strengthening emergency alerting in B.C. The alert is part of a national test of the National P…

4:41 PM PST Friday 2 January 2026 Abnormal high tides combined with low pressure may produce minor/moderate coastal flooding. Elevated water levels accompanied by strong winds and waves are expected, exceeding highest astronomical tides. What: Risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge coinciding with high tides. When: This weekend, with the highest risk of coastal flooding on Sunday. Additional information: The South Coast is entering a period of high astronomical tides as Earth reaches perihelion (Earth's closest point to the Sun). Also, a low pressure system will cross the region this weekend. This falling atmospheric pressure will help further elevate coastal water levels beyond predicted tides, thus increasing the risk of coastal flooding. The exact track and timing of the low pressure centre remain uncertain at the moment. Wind strength will be contingent on the position of the low. Moderate winds and storm surge can lead to washed up debris and…

As British Columbia transitions to cooler temperatures and seasonal storms, people are encouraged to prepare for the shift to fall weather, including a series of storms that may bring heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas, starting Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. People are encouraged to keep storm drains clear to reduce localized flooding. With wet ground and many trees still holding their leaves, strong winds can frequently uproot trees or break branches. Be prepared for power interruptions from tree damage or downed power lines. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts show potentially significant wind and rainfall for the north coast, central coast, south coast/Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. The B.C. River Forecast Centre (RFC) continues to closely monitor forecasts and will issue high streamflow advisories, flood watches or flood warnings as conditions warrant. Wet and stormy weather is typical for this season, and the Province works with communities …

Updated: August 22, 2025 - 11:58pm Status Resolved Residents in the impacted area should BOIL their drinking water until further notice. The Capital Regional District (CRD), in consultation with Island Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Highland-Fernwood Water System on Salt Spring Island. Customers on the following roads should boil their water until further notice – Maliview Drive, Fer de Lance Road, Westcott Road, Hedger Road, Whims Road, Primrose Lane, Enilwood Road, Le Page Road, South Bank Drive (north of Fairway Drive only), and Walkers Hook (map of impacted area [PDF/724KB]). Water quality may have been compromised as a result of a water main break. As a precaution, the Boil Water Advisory will be in effect until flushing and water samples indicate the water quality no longer poses a risk to public health. Residents in the impacted area should BOIL any water used for drinking, food preparation, ice cubes and dental hygiene until further notice. …

Public health is advising of several locations where people may have been exposed to measles between June 16 and 21. Seventeen new cases of measles have been reported in Fraser Health, Interior Health and Northern Health regions since June 19. A total of 49 cases have been reported in BC in 2025, with 12 cases currently active. Public health is following up directly with known contacts of measles cases. However, individuals known to have measles spent time in several public locations. People may have been exposed to measles at the following locations, dates and times: Chilliwack, BC on June 16: Mark’s - 45737 Luckakuck Way, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Redwing Shoe Store - 8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy #716, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walmart - 8249 Eagle Landing Pkwy, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Kamloops, BC on June 16: Denny’s Restaurant - 570 Columbia St., from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Aberdeen Mall - 1320 Trans-Canada Hwy, from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Earls Restaurant - 1210 Sum…

Boil Water Advisory – Fulford Water System The boil water advisory has been rescinded – residents no longer need to boil their water Customers in the Fulford Water Service Area are advised that the Boil Water Advisory issued on June 23, 2025 is now rescinded. Bacteriological water sampling and testing has been concluded and the water is now safe to consume and boiling water is no longer necessary. Date Resolved Wed, 06/25/2025 - 4:00pm Salt Spring Island, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) in consultation with Island Health has issued a Boil Water Advisory for the Fulford Water System on Salt Spring Island. Residents in the impacted area should BOIL their drinking water until further notice. Fulford Water System Area Map (PDF) Water quality may have been compromised due to low chlorine residuals within the system. As a precaution, the Boil Water Advisory will be in effect until flushing and water samples indicate the water quality no longer poses a ri…

February 14, 2025 - Island Community Services (ICS) is clarifying key facts around the operation of the Emergency Shelter based at their main office location at 268 Fulford-Ganges Road on Salt Spring Island today. The shelter was never closed, despite postings to the contrary. People should be wary of any postings publishing details of the Emergency Shelter that are not from Island Community Services. The shelter is open 24/7/365 and available for people who are experiencing homelessness and need a place to stay indoors. The Emergency Shelter is funded by BC Housing and is a minimal -barrier shelter to ensure the most vulnerable people are served. ICS will never publish details of the people being served by the shelter, including gender or number of individuals at any time. The shelter is always open and accessible to those who need it and is a well known resource for those in need and with all community partners including RCMP, Island Health, Emergency Services, th…

Although the snowfall warning has now ended, it will still take some time to the clear roads. Stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel for the road crews and first responders. A big thank you those who have kept critical systems running, especially the Emcon crews who have worked through the storm and the night. Please be patient, the crews have the priorities to follow, and the only time they will deviate from MOTI procedure unless the situation is an emergency circumstance. Emergency circumstances are determined through first responder requests via 911. Wondering what the priorities are? MoTI has a good article about plowing priorities and it explains why a route has a specific designation from the Trans BC Website below. Our maintenance contractors work hard every day to keep BC highways safe and traffic moving smoothly. Because British Columbia is a geographically diverse province, our contractors can face any number of unique challenges where highway main…

People living in the coastal regions of British Columbia, as well as in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and parts of the Interior, can expect stormy weather and strong winds starting Tuesday, Nov. 19 and extending through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wind warnings and special weather statements due to a significant fall storm that will bring southeasterly winds through the afternoon on Tuesday, with peak wind speeds expected that evening for most coastal regions. The strong winds are likely to continue on Wednesday morning but are expected to ease later in the day. Wind warnings and special weather statements are in effect for most coastal regions, in addition to the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and other parts of B.C. For up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, visit: https://www.weather.gc.ca The Province continues to monitor conditions closely and work directly with communities to support preparedness and respon…

UPDATE: The boil water advisory has been rescinded – residents no longer need to boil their water Customers in the Highland-Fernwood Water Service area are advised that the Boil Water Advisory issued on Oct. 28 is now rescinded. Bacteriological water sampling and testing has been concluded and the water is now safe to consume and boiling the water is no longer necessary. Residents in the impacted area should BOIL their drinking water until further notice. The Capital Regional District (CRD), in consultation with Island Health, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for a portion of the Highland-Fernwood Water System Water System on Salt Spring Island. Residents on the following roads should boil their water until further notice – Maliview Drive, Fer de Lance Road, Westcott Road, Hedger Road and Walker’s Hook Road (see map). Highland-Fernwood Water System - Impacted Area Map (PDF) Water service to approximately 70 households within the Highland-Fernwood Water System w…

Residents serviced by the Highland-Fernwood Water System on Salt Spring Island are advised to reduce water use as reservoir levels are steadily decreasing due to suspected leaks in the distribution system. Efforts to locate and repair breaks are underway, resulting in a water service interruption for approximately 70 households on Maliview Drive (214-327), Fer de Lance Road, Wescott Road and Walker’s Hook Road currently but could expand to other areas of the system. Residents in the impacted area are asked to: Avoid turning on taps, dishwashers or washing machines. Check for a water leak on their property (see attached PDF). Contact the CRD at 1.855.822.4426 to report any detected issues. Prepare for an extended water outage, including checking on neighbours and using bottled water stored for emergency use. Sign up for the Public Alert Notification System to receive notification when advisories are issued or lifted.

UPDATE: The Boil Water Advisory for Highlands Fernwood water system issued on Saturday October 12, 2024 is rescinded as of Monday, Oct. 14. Water quality sampling and testing has confirmed the water is now safe ... For more information on boil water advisories, please visit www.islandhealth.ca/boilwater. Due to a watermain break the municipal water in Capital Regional District may be unsafe to drink and could cause serious illness. Boil Water Advisory | Portion of Highland-Fernwood Water System due to watermain break The Capital Regional District (CRD) in consultation with Island Health has issued a Boil Water Advisory for a portion of the Highland-Fernwood water service on Salt Spring Island. Customers on the following roads should boil their water until further notice - Maliview Drive, Fer de Lance Road, Westcott Road, Hedger Road and Walker's Hook Road. Water quality may have been compromised as a result of a water main break. As a precaution, the Boil W…

Stage 1 Watering Restrictions apply to the following water services: Beddis Cedar Lane Cedars of Tuam Fulford Highland-Fernwood *find more info on each water system below* Mandatory Stage 1 Watering Restrictions: Limit lawn watering to one day per week. Watering is only permitted between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm. Limit watering of trees, shrubs and vegetables with a sprinkler to one day a week between the hours of 4-10 am or 7-10 pm Only wash vehicles or boats using a container or hose with a shut-off valve NOTE: Hand watering of trees, shrubs and vegetables with a container or a hose with a shut-off valve is permitted any day and time. Water Conservation Bylaw 4492 The Electoral Area Water Conservation Bylaw (4492) is in effect May 1 to September 30, unless otherwise authorized by the General Manager of Integrated Water Services. FAQs (PDF) Bylaw 4492 (PDF) Ticketing Information (PDF) The Beddis Water System is located on the east …

Currently the 3 Hectare fire North of the Sooke Potholes is considered "out of control" by the BC Wildfire Services - https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map The Capital Regional District has stated the campground was being evacuated as a precaution, and urged people to avoid the area. The fire is believed to have been started by human activity. News from The District of Sooke: Monday, July 22, 2024, 4:54pm – Due to ongoing efforts and priorities related to the Sooke Potholes Area wildfire, tonight’s scheduled Council meeting has been cancelled. This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution, as our staff resources are currently focused on supporting the wildfire response efforts. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members remain our top priority. Monday, July 22, 2024, 3:45pm – Due to a wildfire located north of Sooke Potholes Park, the park is closed until further notice. Emergency crews, including mutual aid partners and BC Wil…

Island Health water quality testing results indicate high bacterial counts The Capital Regional District (CRD), in consultation with Island Health, advises that there are high levels of enterococci at Churchill Beach on Salt Spring Island. Visitors are advised to avoid swimming at these beaches and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from ingesting or swimming in the water until the advisory has been lifted. Island Health works with local governments like the CRD to monitor water quality at popular public beaches in order to protect recreational water users from illnesses linked to unacceptable levels of bacteria. This advisory will be lifted once Island Health confirms that the water quality is once again at acceptable levels. For more information, visit Island Health's Beach Advisory page.

As you may be aware, the B.C. Ministry of Forests has obtained a permit for aerial pesticide treatments aimed at controlling the spread of the invasive spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) on Salt Spring Island, in the Cowichan Valley, Saanich, and other areas on Vancouver Island. This permit is active from April 1 through the end of June, during which each designated area will undergo three spraying sessions. The schedule for the initial spray is set for April 30 in Saanich, followed by May 6 in Salt Spring. Please be aware that these dates may shift depending on weather conditions; therefore, they are subject to change. For up-to-date information and any changes to the spray schedule, I encourage you to: Visit the Ministry of Forests News Page for Spongy Moth/Gypsy Moth for the latest updates: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/invasive-forest-pests/spongy-moth/news Subscribe to email notificati…

Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD), in collaboration with municipal partners, Island Health and the Province, is launching the Capital Region Extreme Heat Information Portal to help residents and community planners explore and understand the capital region's vulnerability and exposure to extreme heat. The capital region is experiencing hotter summer temperatures, with more extreme heat days and heatwaves. In the summer of 2021, BC experienced an extreme heat wave that claimed more than 700 lives, with 24 of those in the capital region. “As a result of climate change, we can expect our region to continue to be at risk for extreme heat events,” said CRD Board Chair, Colin Plant. “Preparing for and learning how to adapt to these events requires immediate actions. This initiative is an excellent example of working together with our local governments to develop regional resources to address climate impacts now, and into the future”. The CRD’s Climate Action s…