Together, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Community Foundation of Whistler, Whistler Community Services Society, and Canadian Red Cross Society have developed a new Community Recovery Plan detailing how organizations in Whistler will come together to support people impacted by emergencies such as house fires and floods. 

Purpose

The purpose of the plan is to establish a process to connect people requiring support after an emergency with community organizations that can offer support services with the intention of speeding recovery of community members post-emergency. 

Community Recovery Committee

A Community Recovery Committee has been convened to bring together community organizations with a role in recovery and to coordinate the recovery process through a cohesive and planned framework. 

The Committee has ongoing planning responsibilities, including understanding and identifying recovery resources available in Whistler prior to emergencies. Once an emergency has occurred and the recovery process is required, the committee is responsible for evaluating the needs of displaced people and matching residents’ needs with available community resources.

The Community Recovery Committee currently includes the RMOW Emergency Program, Emergency Social Services, Community Foundation of Whistler, Whistler Community Services Society, and Canadian Red Cross Society.  The committee will connect and collaborate with other government and community organizations that may be active in recovery.

What can residents, impacted by emergencies that displace them from their home, expect after an emergency?

Immediately

• When the emergency occurs and 911 is called, first response agencies like Whistler Fire Rescue Service, BC Ambulance and RCMP will respond and work to resolve the emergency. 
• If needed, first responders will connect those impacted with the Canadian Red Cross Emergency Social Services team, who will provide for immediate needs including food, clothing, shelter, and emotional support. 
• Residents with insurance will want to contact their insurance company as often insurance policies cover alternate accommodations and food.

Over the next 24 hours

• Usually the following day, if needed, impacted residents will be invited to a Community Recovery Meeting.
• This is a chance to receive an update from the lead first response agency on the status of the emergency, critical incident stress information, and information on who they can contact to understand the status of their home and belongings.
• Impacted residents will have an opportunity to complete a Client Needs Assessment to help the Community Recovery Committee understand their recovery needs.
• Following this the Client Needs Assessments will be reviewed, and impacted residents will be connected with available community resources to assist with their recovery.

How can community members, organizations, and businesses help after an emergency in Whistler?

Donations

• After emergencies, the Community Foundation of Whistler (CFOW) collects monetary donations for the CFOW Emergency Fund, and works with Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) to distribute the funds based on need. 
• If the amount of money donated exceeds the needs of people impacted, the remaining donated funds will remain in the general CFOW Emergency Fund for distribution, based on need, during future emergencies.
• Corporate donors and non-profit organizations wishing to provide new and good quality items (e.g. vouchers or equipment replacement) can email eocwhistler@whistler.ca. They will be connected directly with displaced people with their permission.  

Fundraisers

• Hosting a third party fundraiser is a great way to support people impacted by an emergency. 
• Funds raised through third party fundraisers can be donated to the CFOW Emergency Fund and distributed through WCSS, based on need, to people impacted. 
• If the amount of money donated exceeds the needs of people impacted, the remaining donated funds will remain in the general CFOW Emergency Fund for distribution, based on need, during future emergencies. 
• You can let CFOW know about your event, by emailing info@whistlerfoundation.com.

Unsolicited second-hand donations

Please note that neither the Resort Municipality of Whistler, nor the Community Recovery Committee will collect unsolicited second-hand goods after emergencies. 

Contact

Bob Manson
RMOW Emergency Program Coordinator
bmanson@whistler.ca 

Emergency Support Services
604-966-4845
ess@whistler.ca