Coastal Communities and Response Planning

The Coastal Response Program is a Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) initiative that brings existing response programs under one umbrella. The objective is to enhance these interrelated initiatives and ensure they have coordinated support to maintain an operational ready state. The program improves WCMRC's overall capacity by building strong relationships with industry, coastal communities and First Nations by involving them in spill response in a meaningful way. This paper will provide an update on how WCMRC is rolling out the program on Canada's west coast and will discuss some of the benefits and challenges that WCMRC has experienced. While local issues will bring unique challenges to every jurisdiction, some of the broader principles of the community involvement under the Coastal Response Program can help other response organizations and coastal communities be better prepared.