New regulations in British Columbia will give municipalities and regional districts more clarity over emergency-management planning in their communities. The new requirements come into force in January 2027, under a phased implementation of the Emergency and Disaster Management Act.

Local authorities will have to complete emergency-management plans, business continuity plans and hazard-risk assessments, in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous governing bodies. The goal is to make communities more resilient and better able to withstand natural and climate-caused disasters, such as wildfires, floods and earthquakes.

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is developing support for local governments as they prepare for the new requirements. It is expected to include guidance for preparing risk assessments, management plans and business continuity plans that align with the Act, which came into effect in November 2023.