A state of local emergency will be a temporary measure to support public safety and keep access to properties.
The announcement from the City of Campbell River comes after a landslide impacted the 738 and 758 condos on Island Highway South on Tuesday. The city adds a temporary evacuation order is in place for the two buildings, and it will be reviewed today.
An evacuation alert has also been issued to surrounding properties. Investigations into the slide highlighted areas that could pose risks to the surrounding area, according to the city.
Acting city manager Drew Hadfield says the state of emergency will enable the city to do necessary work and make the area safe for residents to return.
“We recognize that a prolonged evacuation is difficult and that residents will be eager to get back into their homes,” said Hadfield. “Our top priority is public safety, and while we are working diligently to get people home as soon as possible, we must first ensure that it is safe to do so.”
A local state of emergency is in place for seven days unless it is deactivated by the city.
The city adds it is working with the Strathcona Regional District and the Strathcona Regional District Emergency Support Service (ESS) program to ensure that supports are available to displaced residents.
Professionally trained ESS staff and volunteers are on hand to support the basic news of displaced residents, and a reception centre will be available in the Dogwood Room at Strathcona Gardens today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Further updates will be posted on the city’s website. Residents of the evacuated buildings can email in questions or call 250-203-1972 to get support.
