NEWS RELEASE
August 16, 2017
In effort to assist our agency partner, Juan de Fuca Emergency Services, and provide evacuated people and pets with refuge during a time of need, Council is in support of matching registered evacuees, who have self-contained campers and motor homes, with a host property owner within the District of Sooke.
“Council would like to help alleviate some of the uncertainty that these evacuees are feeling,” says Sooke Mayor, Maja Tait. “They have been through so much. If needed, we are fortunate to be able to offer some respite from smoky skies in our community.”
The Juan de Fuca Emergency Services team will help evacuees determine needs and source appropriate accommodation within the District of Sooke and Juan de Fuca areas. This expands on several initiatives already being offered in the region: BC Ferries will help get evacuees to the island with free ferry passes; free shower facilities are available at SEAPARC; and, the Sooke Community Association will supply free sani-dump service at the Sooke River Campground.
“This is one more avenue to support displaced residents of BC,” says Sooke Fire Chief, Kenn Mount. “This goes beyond the fire suppression efforts that our members are already supporting on the ground. If the capacity in the Juan de Fuca region is exceeded, the Sooke Emergency Program will step up to provide temporary accommodations through a coordinated effort with the Juan de Fuca Emergency Services team.”
If you are willing and able to offer space on your property, please register with the Juan de Fuca Emergency Services team: 250-642-8106 or e-mail jdf4evacuees@gmail.com. Visit www.sooke.ca for more information.
Media Contact:
Teresa Sullivan
Chief Administrative Officer
District of Sooke
Tel: (250) 642-1634
Email: tsullivan@sooke.ca
Kenn Mount
Fire Chief/Director of Community Safety
District of Sooke
Tel: (250)642-5422
Email: kmount@sooke.ca