Local governments across British Columbia are approaching a significant shift in emergency management. As of January 2027, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act will require local authorities to have formal emergency management plans in place. These plans must go beyond logistics and response protocols. They need to demonstrate how communities will protect people, animals, infrastructure and cultural safety during and after emergencies.
At the core of this change is the requirement to address the unequal impacts of disasters. Community emergency plans must include measures to mitigate adverse effects on individuals experiencing intersectional disadvantage and other vulnerable populations. This is more than a compliance exercise. It is a recognition that disasters do not affect everyone equally.
New guidance has been released by British Columbia’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner and our team has reviewed the information and highlighted what this means for local authorities.
Why emergency plans are evolving
Recent disasters in British Columbia, such as the 2021 heat dome, have shown that emergencies amplify existing inequities. Heat events, floods and wildfires have had disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, Indigenous communities and those of lower socioeconomic status.
Despite this, many existing local government emergency plans do not currently reflect these realities. A review of plans across the province found limited integration of equity, human rights or disproportionate risk incorporated into planning frameworks.
The new legislative requirements create an opportunity to design plans that are more realistic, inclusive and effective for all groups.
What well rounded emergency planning looks like
Every community is different, and a strong emergency plan should reflect this complexity. It should consider not only hazards, but also how different people experience those hazards.
The Human Rights Commissioner’s guidance outlines measures that can strengthen emergency plans by taking a human rights based approach, including:
1. Planning for access and basic needs
· Ensuring evacuation centres are accessible for people with mobility challenges
· Providing access to medication, specialized food and caregiving supports
· Maintaining continuity for critical social infrastructure such as shelters, food banks and cultural organizations
2. Embedding cultural safety
· Providing access to Indigenous Elders or culturally appropriate gathering spaces
· Incorporating Indigenous leadership and knowledge into the planning processes
· Delivering trauma informed and culturally safe services as a baseline approach, rather than an add-on
3. Addressing communication barriers
· Providing multilingual and accessible information in real time
· Ensuring communication formats reach those with additional barriers, such as including sign language interpretation and non-digital options
· Planning for redundancy to prevent information gaps during crises
4. Supporting health and wellbeing
· Including low barrier and culturally appropriate mental health services
· Planning for outreach in community hubs and evacuation centres
· Recognizing the needs of both impacted communities and emergency personnel
5. Designing safer spaces
· Creating evacuation environments that include private areas for families and vulnerable individuals
· Ensuring access to inclusive washroom facilities
· Identifying and protecting key services, such as transition houses and community supports
6. Engaging communities meaningfully
· Working directly with community organizations and underrepresented groups
· Incorporating lived experience into risk assessments
· Establishing ongoing partnerships rather than one time consultation
These examples illustrate that effective planning is not about adding one or two new considerations. It is about taking the time to build a comprehensive and integrated approach.
Preparing for 2027 and beyond
The January 2027 timeline gives local authorities a clear window to act. Developing plans that meet the new requirements will require:
Comprehensive risk assessment with an equity lens
Practical and tailored measures for diverse populations
Ongoing evaluation and adaptation
This is complex work, but it is essential to building resilient communities.
How CCEM can support
Creating well rounded and effective emergency management plans requires expertise, experience, and a strong understanding of both operational and human factors.
CCEM supports local authorities by:
Undertaking risk assessments
Supporting engagement and community collaboration
Assisting with plan review and enhancement
Delivering training and capacity building
As communities prepare for 2027, we are ready to ensure emergency plans are thoughtful, comprehensive and ready to meet obligations and community needs.