B.C.’s Emergency Alert System Under Scrutiny: Calls for a Provincewide Model

British Columbians are hearing more emergency alerts this summer, with notifications about wildfires and even a potential tsunami — but experts are divided over whether the system works as well as it should.

How the System Works

Emergency alerts are the responsibility of local governments and First Nations. When there is an immediate threat to life, such as an evacuation order, they can request a “broadcast intrusive” alert from the province. These alerts trigger a loud alarm and short message on TV, radio, and cellphones connected to local networks.

For emergencies that don’t meet that threshold, like a tsunami advisory, local governments use their own channels — websites, social media, and, increasingly, third-party systems like Alertable or Voyent Alert. Those systems can send texts, calls, or app notifications, but residents need to subscribe first, which has created gaps in coverage.

Calls for a Provincewide System

Shaun Koopman, emergency services manager for the Strathcona Regional District, says B.C. needs a unified system run by a single provider. He argues this would simplify signups, reduce costs for local governments, and give residents one default service covering all jurisdictions they visit.

“It’s one default system … every community at least has that blanket coverage,” Koopman said.

Tarina Colledge, chair of the B.C. Association of Emergency Managers, agrees, saying a shared system could replicate alerts across multiple channels — email, text, or even landlines — making it more effective for rural areas and seniors.

Why Some Prefer the Current Setup

Not everyone agrees. Erin Stockill, emergency program officer for the District of Saanich, says the existing province-led broadcast intrusive alerts are more effective because they go directly to people near the hazard, without relying on subscription lists.

“There’s no guarantee that someone who’s subscribed is in close proximity to the hazard,” Stockill said. “This broadcast intrusive system ensures speed and effectiveness so that the people who need to know will be made aware.”

Province Reviewing Options

The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness did not say whether it would consider a provincewide system but confirmed it reviews every emergency event — including tsunamis, earthquakes, wildfires and floods — to find possible improvements.

As B.C. braces for more extreme weather and natural disasters, the debate over how best to reach residents quickly and reliably is far from over.