The B.C. government is investing more than $800,000 in emergency preparedness projects across Vancouver Island, helping local governments and First Nations strengthen their ability to respond when disasters strike.

The funding is part of the Province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Fund, which is providing approximately $3.5 million for 110 emergency operations centre projects in communities throughout British Columbia, including Sayward. The grants will be used to improve emergency operations centres through equipment purchases, staff training and emergency response exercises.

Emergency operations centres serve as the command hub during disasters, coordinating resources, supporting first responders and ensuring residents receive timely information and emergency assistance.

According to the Province, the latest funding will benefit 138 communities across B.C., helping local governments and First Nations improve their emergency response capacity as climate-related emergencies and extreme weather events become more frequent. Since 2017, more than $25 million has been invested in over 820 emergency operations centre projects through the program.

Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said emergency operations centres are the backbone of a coordinated response during emergencies and that the funding will ensure communities have the training, equipment and resources needed to respond quickly when people need help.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities on behalf of the Province and supports a range of emergency management initiatives, including emergency operations centres, evacuation planning, public notification systems and disaster risk reduction projects.

Two people have died following a helicopter crash during forestry operations in a remote area of British Columbia’s central coast.

The crash occurred on the morning of  Tuesday, July 13th near Loughborough Inlet, north of Vancouver Island, at approximately 6:15 a.m. A Hughes 500 helicopter carrying three people went down while conducting forestry work in the area. The pilot and a forestry worker were killed, while a third occupant survived the crash.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has deployed investigators to the crash site to gather evidence and determine what caused the accident. The investigation is expected to examine the aircraft, weather conditions, maintenance records, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash.

Loughborough Inlet is a remote coastal fjord accessible primarily by boat or aircraft, where helicopters are commonly used to transport crews and support forestry operations in rugged terrain.

The incident has sent shockwaves through British Columbia’s forestry and aviation communities, where helicopter travel is a routine part of working in remote areas. The identities of those involved have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is inviting residents to help shape future emergency planning by sharing their perspectives on the natural hazards and risks facing their communities.

As part of its Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA), the SRD is seeking public feedback to better understand the concerns, experiences, and priorities of residents across the region. The information collected will help identify the hazards that pose the greatest risks and guide future emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery planning.

The assessment examines a wide range of potential hazards, including wildfires, flooding, severe storms, earthquakes, landslides, power outages, extreme weather, and other events that could affect communities throughout the Strathcona Regional District. Public input is considered an important part of the process, providing local knowledge that complements technical assessments and historical data.

Residents of Sayward and Electoral Area A are encouraged to participate, as local experiences and observations can help identify community-specific vulnerabilities and improve emergency planning for the region. The completed assessment will be used to prioritize projects, strengthen emergency management strategies, and support applications for disaster mitigation funding.

Community members can complete the survey through the Strathcona Regional District’s public engagement website before the consultation period closes.

A series of lightning strikes has ignited several new wildfires across Vancouver Island following thunderstorms that moved through the region this week.

According to the BC Wildfire Service, four of the five newly discovered fires are believed to have been caused by lightning, while investigators continue to determine the cause of the fifth fire. Most of the fires are located in remote areas, and crews are monitoring or responding to each incident based on current conditions and potential risk.

The recent wildfire starts come after Environment Canada issued thunderstorm warnings for parts of Vancouver Island, where dry conditions combined with lightning created ideal conditions for new fire ignitions. Fire officials have warned that lightning-caused fires can smoulder unnoticed for hours or even days before becoming more active.

While none of the fires have prompted evacuation orders or are currently threatening communities, residents are encouraged to remain alert as warm, dry weather continues across much of the province. The BC Wildfire Service notes that additional lightning-related fires may still be discovered in the coming days as crews conduct aerial patrols and receive public reports.

For residents of Sayward and the North Island, the new wildfire activity serves as a reminder to use caution when spending time outdoors. Anyone who spots smoke or an unattended fire should report it immediately by calling 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cellphone, or by using the BC Wildfire Service mobile app.

Residents and visitors now have a new transportation option on the North Island with the launch of a pilot bus service linking Campbell River and Gold River.

IslandLinkBus has introduced the seasonal route, providing twice-daily service in each direction from Thursday through Monday throughout the summer. The route also includes a stop at Strathcona Park Lodge, improving access to one of Vancouver Island’s most popular outdoor destinations.

The new service is intended to improve transportation between the communities while making it easier for travellers to explore the region without relying on a personal vehicle. The pilot will also help gauge demand for a longer-term transit connection between Campbell River and Gold River.

The Strathcona Regional District says it will monitor the pilot program to better understand travel patterns and community interest in expanding transportation options in the future. While the route is operated by IslandLinkBus, the results of the pilot could help inform future regional transit planning.

The new connection may also benefit residents of Sayward and surrounding communities, offering another travel option for those heading west toward Gold River or connecting with services in Campbell River.

Tickets and schedules are available through IslandLinkBus, which operates passenger bus services throughout Vancouver Island and recently celebrated 25 years in business.