Bruce County urges residents to know location of their Evacuation and Reception Centre

Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Whether facing tornadoes, fires or flooding, residents may be required to evacuate their homes with little notice.

That’s why Bruce County and the local municipalities have taken proactive steps to ensure residents have a safe place to go in times of crisis.

Every municipality in the county has designated an Evacuation and Reception Centre, a secure location where individuals and families can access essential services during emergencies. These centres are:
 

• Safe spaces where basic needs, such as shelter, food, and clothing, can be met.
• Staffed by trained personnel, including municipal employees, county human services staff and Canadian Red Cross volunteers.
• Equipped to provide reception and registration services, family support and up-to-date emergency information.
• Adaptable to community needs, with the potential to host insurance representatives, disaster assistance sessions and recovery resources.

To further enhance readiness, the county and the Municipality of Brockton will host Evacuation and Reception Centre Training Days this month. This hands-on training will equip municipal staff with the knowledge and tools to activate and operate these centres effectively. Participants will learn about activation criteria, set-up procedures and the policies that guide emergency response.

“This training is an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, build relationships and deepen our understanding of roles and responsibilities in times of emergency,” says Tina Metcalfe, county director of human services. “By working together, we’re better prepared to provide co-ordinated, compassionate support to residents across Bruce County when they need it most.”

Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the location of their municipality’s Evacuation and Reception Centre and include it in their family emergency plan. In the event of an emergency, your municipality will provide direction on which centre is open and available for use.

A list of Evacuation and Reception Centres in Bruce County:
 

• Municipality of Kincardine – Davidson Centre, and Tiverton Sports Centre
• Township of Huron-Kinloss – Ripley-Huron Community Centre, Lucknow Community Centre, Lucknow and District Sports Complex and Point Clark Community Centre
• Town of Saugeen Shores – The Plex in Port Elgin
• Municipality of Brockton – Walkerton Community Centre
• Municipality of Arran-Elderslie – Chesley Community Centre, Arran-Tara Community Centre and Paisley Community Centre
• Municipality of South Bruce – Mildmay Carrick Recreation Centre, Teeswater Culross Arena
• Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula – Lion’s Head and District Community Centre and Arena, and Tobermory Community Centre
• Town of South Bruce Peninsula – Wiarton District Community Centre and Sauble Beach Community Centre