Port Renfrew’s capability to transmit early warnings of a possible tsunami will be further bolstered with a new high-tech system set to begin operation within a year.
Provincial funding of $550,000 will help replace existing obsolete tsunami sirens with new warning technology to help residents to be quickly informed in the event a tsunami threatens the region.
The tsunami siren upgrades will include voiceover capability and remote activation, expanding the audible warning zone to include the Pacheedaht First Nation. The system will have the potential to provide early warning before an earthquake occurs.
"This investment will provide a much needed replacement of the current tsunami warning system,” said Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director.
“It will be critical to the safety of the residents and visitors to Port Renfrew and the Pacheedaht First Nation.”
A similar system was put in use in Jordan River earlier this year.
The funding, part of the B.C. Disaster Mitigation Program, is part of a broader set of more than $80 million invested in emergency preparedness provincewide.
"The threat of earthquakes and a resulting tsunami is part of Pacheedaht community life. It is not a matter of if, but when the event will occur; this has been a part of Pacheedaht's history since time immemorial,” said Pacheedaht First Nation Chief Jeff Jones.