Building resilient communities: How regional collaboration enhances disaster preparedness and recovery

When disaster strikes –– a raging wildfire, rising floodwaters, or a storm that leaves devastation in its wake, communities are put to the ultimate test. For smaller rural areas, the stakes are higher. With limited resources, fewer emergency services, and often cut off from help, these communities must find strength in collaboration. It’s in these moments that neighbours become lifelines, and regional partnerships transform from a good idea to an absolute necessity.

The concept of a block watch for communities scales the idea of neighbourhood block watches to a regional level. Just as neighbours look out for each other, communities can join forces to share resources, expertise, and support.

Instead of thinking house to house, it’s city to city, village to village. Why do it all alone when we can share the cost and reduce the impact on both sides?

This approach ensures that no community must bear the full burden of an emergency alone.

The power of collaboration in action

Collaboration has proven to be essential in real-life crises. Take, for example, the Jasper wildfire in northern Alberta. When the road into the region was closed, surrounding communities stepped in, providing accommodations, services, and facilities for evacuees. This kind of regional response allowed the affected communities to manage the disaster with the help of their neighbours, easing the pressure on local resources.

Similarly, the 2021 floods in B.C. caused devastating damage, with an estimated eight billion dollars in recovery and damage costs. Communities like Merritt and Abbotsford, which were amongst the hardest hit, didn’t just look to the government for solutions. They also turned to local organizations, non-profits, and even nearby businesses. These kinds of partnerships — between cities, local authorities, community organizations, and private enterprises — highlight the strength of regional strategies. Emergency management isn’t about governments, whether municipal, provincial or federal, providing all the answers, it’s an all-of society approach.

How legislation supports regional resilience

The recently introduced B.C. Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) is a key driver in promoting cross-jurisdictional collaboration. This legislation encourages communities to formalize partnerships through mutual assistance agreements, share resources, and participate in joint training exercises. For smaller remote communities where every dollar counts, this legislation aims to support the pooling of resources and maximize emergency preparedness.

By formalizing these relationships, communities ensure that they are not only prepared for immediate crises but are also building long-term resilience. Cross-jurisdictional training and joint emergency exercises, for instance, help communities develop a common language and shared response protocols, ensuring seamless cooperation when disaster strikes.

Leveraging expertise from trusted partners

In times of crisis, having the right expertise and connections can make all the difference. Partnering with an experienced firm in emergency management helps communities build essential relationships with vendors, service providers, and key stakeholders before disaster strikes. These pre-established connections can be critical in securing vital resources — whether coordinating emergency supplies across multiple jurisdictions or rapidly sourcing 1,000 air filters for a remote community facing hazardous air quality.

Beyond preparation, an experienced firm provides strategic guidance to navigate complex collaborations and enhance long-term resilience. This includes identifying risks, developing governance structures, and implementing solutions that strengthen emergency response efforts. For example, experienced advisors can help establish emergency response frameworks, conduct business impact assessments, and improve internal controls to ensure a coordinated and efficient crisis response.

By bringing together communities, organizations, and resources, these partnerships foster a more proactive and effective approach to emergency management — ensuring that when challenges arise, communities are ready to respond with confidence.

Strengthen communities together

Regional collaboration in emergency management is not just a smart strategy –– it’s essential. Communities that work together, share resources, and lean on trusted advisors will be better positioned to handle whatever comes their way. It’s not about doing everything yourself, but about ensuring that, when a disaster hits, you and your neighbours are ready to act as one.