When an Evacuation Order is issued for Gabriola, it should indicate the evacuation route so that the public understands where they are expected to go, and what arterial and secondary roadways they are expected to use. This will support the additional road management strategies implemented throughout the evacuation. The order should include specific information for the population who cannot self evacuate.

 

Road networks on Gabriola Island, specifically Taylor Bay Road, North Road and South Road are critical arteries during evacuation and require ongoing access control during evacuations.

 

Blockades and detours can be effective at funnelling traffic onto the arterial roads but take time to establish and may require more resources than are available during a major evacuation. The RDN EOC will determine access locations and requirements in close coordination with the RCMP, MoTI and First Responder agencies.

 

The goal of moving the affected population out of the anticipated area at risk as safely and efficiently as possible can be achieved by using as few routes as possible to simplify evacuation management for responding agencies. Travel time via ferry must also be addressed in evacuation orders and identify how residents will be requested to travel off-island (i.e., in personal vehicle or bus, etc.).