Radium Hot Springs Mayor Mike Gray said a large power outage that affected the Columbia Valley last month highlighted ways the village could improve its emergency response.
Gray said he was grateful to first responders who helped during the outage.
“The event tested our community in ways that none of us expected. I have a deep amount of thanks to the first responders and our emergency operations team, who were very helpful in making our plans, both come together and form on the fly in some cases.” said Gray.
“Overall, I was very happy with your response. But we are always looking to improve. So for radium, we discovered some good ways to make our emergency plan even better.”
Although the outage was challenging, Gray said he saw the community come together in a way he had not seen before.
“As challenging as the outage was, I also got to see the best of our community. Kids were playing in the street, impromptu block parties and backyard barbecues, neighbours were sharing generators and fuel, locals were looking out for visitors they had never met before. Communities aren’t built during the easy days. They’re revealed during the difficult ones.” said Gray.
Gray expressed sympathy for other communities dealing with emergencies and said the Columbia Valley would help if asked.
“There is a provincial state of emergency right now with the wildfires that are happening, and my heart really goes out to the people that are more affected than us. What has happened in the Okanagan is just heartbreaking to watch. If there’s any way that we in the Columbia Valley can help, we will. I promise you, we will. At this time though, we have not been asked.” said Gray
Gray wants people to know that the Columbia Valley is open to those who need it.
“The Columbia Valley is still open. Our hotels, our restaurants, our tour operators, our local shops. We want you to know before you go. Check with Travel Columbia Valley, check with the BC Wildfire Service, check with Drive BC, and build flexibility into your plan. But right now, if you’re looking to help, the answer is simple. Come out and enjoy everything the Columbia Valley has to offer. There’s lots to visit, lots to enjoy, and your visit does not divert resources from the response effort in the rest of the province. The Columbia Valley is open, and we’re welcoming responsible travelers.” said Gray.
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