The City of Colwood is hosting the Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sunday, May 3, 2026, to help residents learn how to better prepare for local disasters. The event will take place from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, located at 1767 Island Highway.
This annual event, which has a 16-year history in the region, aims to teach community members how to remain self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during a major emergency. Organizers say that when residents are prepared, it reduces the pressure on first responders, allowing teams like the Colwood Fire Department and West Shore RCMP to focus their resources on those with the most critical needs.
The 2026 fair will place a special emphasis on West Shore emergency programs and responders. Attendees can view emergency vehicles, explore equipment displays, and visit various information booths. The Regional Emergency Preparedness Fair will also feature interactive activities for children, food vendors, and giveaways.
Emergency preparedness is a significant focus for the area, as the Victoria region faces a 32 percent probability of a damaging earthquake within the next 50 years. Residents are also encouraged to consider risks such as power outages and potential tsunami events, which are particularly relevant for coastal communities.
The Colwood Emergency Program, managed by the local fire department, is organizing the event to help close the gap on emergency messaging that was disrupted during the pandemic. For additional information on local emergency planning, residents can contact the Colwood Fire Department.
