Centralized resources and expertise are now available for local-level planners and emergency responders contemplating the what-ifs and what-nows of natural and human-triggered catastrophes. The newly launched Canadian Centre for Recovery and Resilience — a joint initiative of the Canadian government and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) — has a mandate to support disaster preparedness, response and rebuilding in a way that will mitigate future risks.
The new resource centre is one of the recommendations coming out of a review of the federal program for financial assistance for disasters earlier this decade. That consultation process underscored the importance of rapid and coordinated recovery efforts to ensure resources are allocated as effectively as possible when a disaster occurs, and also the need to assess where physical and organizational vulnerabilities occur and how to guard against them in the future.
“As climate disasters grow more frequent and severe, communities in Canada are on the front lines of adapting to these new realities,” observes Julie Dubrusin, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
The resource centre is particularly intended to assist smaller local governments that may have fewer staff and local professional services to call upon. However, it promises a menu of “practical” supports for municipalities and organizations of all sizes. That includes direct support to develop recovery plans in advance of the need to respond, access to a network of planning, logistical and risk assessment professionals, and guidance through training exercises, seminars and step-by-step advisories and checklists for navigating required procedures.
“The Canadian Centre for Recovery and Resilience reflects the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction’s commitment to helping communities not only recover after disasters, but also reduce future risks,” affirms ICLR executive director, Paul Kovacs.
The new resource centre is located alongside ICLR’s demonstration centre for disaster resiliency in Toronto.
