Regional Emergency Management Plan launched to strengthen collaborative disaster response

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Sunny South News

Lethbridge County

The newly produced Regional Emergency Management Plan (REMP) was officially launched May 26 by the Regional Emergency Management Partnership, a collaborative initiative between Lethbridge County, the Towns of Coalhurst, Nobleford, Picture Butte and the Village of Barons.

Administrative staff from each municipality gathered for a comprehensive briefing to ensure a shared understanding of the plan and its procedures—equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to coordinate an effective regional response during large-scale or long-term disasters.

The REMP was developed through collaboration and consultation with each municipal partner. This cooperative process ensures that the plan reflects the realities, capabilities and needs of all involved communities and lays a foundation for shared leadership and operational consistency during emergencies.

 It outlines the protocols and coordination required for managing significant emergencies that extend beyond the scope of everyday incidents. It guides how the partner municipalities will work together in situations such as wildfires, flooding, hazardous materials releases, extended utility outages and other disasters—ensuring that resources and personnel can be quickly mobilized across jurisdictions.

The plan provides direction on establishing emergency operations centres and command structures, roles and responsibilities of municipal staff and agency representatives, risk assessments and training plans, recovery in affected communities, when and how to declare a State of Local Emergency, and communication protocols to inform the public

Importantly, the REMP does not replace existing procedures for day-to-day emergencies handled by each municipality’s fire departments and emergency services. Instead, it provides a unified framework for prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts during large-scale and/or region-wide disasters.

The launch of the REMP marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional emergency management. It reflects a collective belief that collaboration enhances the quality, effectiveness and timeliness of disaster response—and that planning together today ensures better outcomes for tomorrow.

In November 2024, Lethbridge County, Village of Barons and Towns of Coalhurst, Nobleford and Picture Butte signed on to a Regional Emergency Management Partnership to enhance collaborative disaster preparedness and response in the region. Emergency Management Coordinator Breea Tamminga works with the partner municipalities, leading our collective disaster preparedness and response efforts.