Tsunami High Risk Coastal Community Project DISTRICT OF TOFINO

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1 Tsunami High Risk Coastal Community Project DISTRICT OF TOFINO MAPPING COMPONENT APRIL 2006 Prepared for: District of Tofino British Columbia Prepared by: EmergeX Planning Inc West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 1G8

2 Introduction In addition to the written plan reflecting all hazards relevant to the District of Tofino (based on BC Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS) standards), it is important to assess the specific tsunami hazard posed to the community. Discussion surrounding risk assessment in this report is centred on the identification of: evacuation areas, refuge areas, evacuation routes, critical infrastructure, propane and fuel storage sites, and areas of vulnerable population. The plot and classification of vulnerable entities is based around the position of the 20-metre contour within the District boundaries, which is a provincial standard for identifying the area at risk from a tsunami. Evacuation Evacuation Areas There are four designated evacuation areas within the District of Tofino. These areas are defined in order to facilitate organized and efficient action in case of an emergency situation requiring evacuation, such as a tsunami. Evacuation Area A covers an area of approximately 85 hectares in the northern extent of Tofino, covering coastal areas beginning in the west near the end of Tonquin Park Road and ending in the east just south of Industrial Way. The extent of Evacuation Area A on the east coast is primarily determined by areas between the Pacific Rim Highway / Campbell Street and the coast. Evacuation Area B covers an area of approximately 10 hectares in the heart of Tofino south of Main Street. The western extent is 1 st Street, with the southeastern extent near the intersection of Campbell and Gibson Street. Map 1 and 2 detail evacuation areas A and B respectively. The last two Evacuation Areas, C and D cover large geographic areas. Evacuation Area C has an expanse of approximately 435 hectares, while Evacuation Area D covers an even larger area, at 747 hectares throughout the southern portion of the District Municipality. See Map 3 and 4 for a view of Evacuation Areas C and D respectively. Refuge Areas 3 primary refuge areas and 2 secondary refuge areas have been assigned within the District, with an additional secondary site located in nearby Pacific Rim National Park. Primary refuge areas (such as the community hall) are defined as priority plots for evacuation due to their favoured geographic position and elevation on the Peninsula. Secondary refuge areas are potential areas of refuge, and should be used as alternative choices if options are limited. Due to time constraints and the location of residents and visitors on the Estowista Peninsula, it is more feasible to evacuate to areas of refuge rather than attempting evacuation beyond District boundaries. These (potential) refuge areas include:

3 Community Hall 351 Arnett Rd. Wikaninnish Community School 431 Gibson St. (Potential) Refuge Area 1 Ocean Parks Comprehensive Development Zone (Potential) Refuge Area 2 northwest corner of Evacuation Area D (near Moser Place, water reservoir) Public Works Yard 700 Industrial Way Long Beach Golf Course 1850 Pacific Rim Hwy (outside Tofino municipal boundaries) Please refer to Map 5 for an overview of designated refuge areas within the District. Evacuation Routes Within the District of Tofino boundaries, routes suitable for evacuation must be specified in order to facilitate safe and efficient passage of individuals to areas of refuge. The evacuation routes lead from areas of low elevation to areas above the 20-metre contour (designated refuge) which are deemed safe in the event of a tsunami. Being on the Estowista Peninsula, the District of Tofino is bordered on three sides by the Pacific Ocean, and is particularly vulnerable on the northwest coast and from Mackenzie Beach to the south (due to its consistently low elevation). See Map 6, 7 and 8 for Evacuation route maps from the North, Central and South regions of the District respectively. Critical Infrastructure There are several sites that lie below or on the fringe of the 20-metre contour within the District of Tofino that must be identified. For the purposes of this report, critical infrastructure is defined as medical, law enforcement, fire and rescue entities and other relevant support systems that are vital to the smooth operation of emergency response and recovery with the local jurisdiction. This critical infrastructure includes the following: Tofino RCMP Detachment 400 Campbell St. Canadian Coast Guard 340 Main St. District of Tofino Office rd St. (Primary EOC designation) Tofino Fire Hall nd St. Tofino General Hospital 261 Neill St. Tonquin Medical Clinic st St. Community Hall 351 Arnett Rd. Wikaninnish Community School 431 Gibson St. Community Hall 351 Arnett Rd. Please refer to Map 9 for an overview of critical infrastructure in the north of the District.

4 Water Supply System The District s water supply system includes submarine water mains that feed the District of Tofino from Meares Island. Three main reservoirs serve the District, which are all at higher ground and are less at risk than pumphouses and outfalls that exist at or near sea level. This type of water infrastructure may be in jeopardy due to a washout in the event of tsunami, or by ancillary effects such as slumping of saturated slopes. The main supply line is located on Bay Street (south of Campbell Street) on the northeast side of the Esowista Peninsula. The pump located here, as well as a portion of the line may be vulnerable in the event of a tsunami hazard, although infrastructure along the east side of Tofino is less at risk than that to the west. In addition, the Sharp Road pump which facilitates the Ginnard emergency supply is located at sea level and could be susceptible in the event of a tsunami. Both pumps mentioned here also house chlorine, which is an additional concern if they are to be compromised during a tsunami event. The outfalls into Duffin Cove are also worth noting; they are anchored but may be susceptible (Hansen, 2006). Map 10, 11 and 12 depict Tofino s water system in the north, central and southern areas of the District respectively. Hazardous Materials Propane and Fuel Storage There are various sites throughout the District that have been identified as propane and fuel holdings. In the event of a tsunami, debris flows and flooding will occur which may damage and/or shift propane or fuel infrastructure, presenting an explosion or spill hazard during or after the event. These sites are specified in Map 13 (Town Centre), Map 14 (Central) and Map 15 (South). Please see Appendix A for corresponding reference tables. Population Vulnerability District of Tofino According to 2005 population estimates compiled by BC Stats, the current population of the District of Tofino is approximately 1,846 people (BC Stats, 2005a). Demographic statistics of note include the relatively low proportion of seniors within the District, which is six percent of the total Tofino population. This compares to 14% for the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and 13% for the province of British Columbia (BC Stats, 2005b) This is relevant in times of an emergency situation, as the elderly face more challenges, have greater needs, and require specialized attention in order to survive or escape without injury. Specific challenges include transporting older adults who use assistive devices, providing appropriate health services and nutrition, meeting the needs of people with limiting conditions (such as hearing and dementia), and respecting the emotional state of

5 the senior individual, who may experience transfer trauma, for example (Wade, 2005). Although above the 20-metre contour, a four unit senior housing plot exists near the corner of Arnet Road and First Street that is important to note. Special considerations for young individuals should also be noted. While children may be more mobile than the aged population, they will also require additional assistance in the event of an emergency. Ensuring a parent or guardian is with the child throughout an evacuation may be essential in reducing the stress and giving directions to youth. Tofino falls below the provincial average for youth population proportion, with approximately 16% of residents under the age of 15. This contrasts to the provincial value of 18%, while the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District value is currently 19%. While the above statistics are accurate and relevant to the District, it is important to note that population totals and distribution can be highly variable, particularly during the summer months of July and August due to tourism. Population may increase up to 22,000 persons on certain days in the high season. In addition to age considerations, tourists are less familiar with the District than local residents, therefore increasing their vulnerability to a tsunami hazard. Lack of knowledge concerning evacuation routes, local topography, road infrastructure and location of emergency facilities are some examples addressing this susceptibility of non-residents. Vulnerable Areas Areas that are frequented by tourists can be particularly vulnerable in times of an emergency, as direction or assistance may be needed. This may be due to lack of local knowledge as well as age factors as discussed earlier. Assistance may be provided in a precautionary or post-event form. Signs, verbal communication, and other forms of increased awareness will be useful in these areas. Recreational areas and campgrounds on the west coast, particularly at Chesterman and Mackenzie beaches are two examples of this type of vulnerable tourist area. See Map 16, 17, 18 and 19 for a depiction of these plots.

6 REFERENCES BC Stats (2005a). Census Profile of British Columbia s Regions, Tofino, DM. Last revised Sept, BC Stats (2005b). Municipal Population Estimates Ministry of Labour and Citizen s Services, Service BC. Retrieved Feb. 9, 2006 from: Hansen, K. (2006). Personal Communication. Fire Chief, District of Tofino. Wade, L. (2005). Preparing Early, Acting Quickly: Meeting the Needs of Older Americans During Disasters. National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Testimony from October 5, 2005 before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging.

7 Appendix A Reference Tables (Propane and Fuel) MAP #13 REFERENCE TABLE Propane and Fuel Storage (Town Centre) Map Plot # Propane Site Name Location 1 Tofino General Hospital 261 Neill St. 2 Duffin Motel 215 Campbell St. 3 Cable Cove Inn 201 Main St. 4 Common Loaf Bake Shop 180 First St. 5 Gary s Kitchen 308 Neill St. 6 House of Himwitsa 300 Main St. 7 Inn at Tough City 350 Main St. 8 Maquinna Lodge 120 First St. 9 Schooner Motel 311 Campbell St. 10 Schooner Restaurant 331 Campbell St. 11 Tofino Motel 542 Campbell St. 12 Weigh West Resort 634 Campbell St. 13 Whalers on the Point Guesthouse 81 West St. 14 Big Daddy s Fish Fry 411 Campbell St. 15 Shelter Restaurant 601 Campbell St. 16 Tuff Beans 161 Fourth St. 17 Tofino RCMP detachment 400 Campbell St. 18 The Loft Restaurant 346 Campbell St. 19 Pasticceria Conradi 311 Neill St. 20 Apartment Complex 251 Main St. 21 McGinnis Contracting 100 Fourth St Emergeo plots 28 Kingfisher Condos 624 Campbell St.

8 MAP #13 REFERENCE TABLE cont Map Plot # Fuel Site Name & Fuel Type(s) Location A B Tofino Air (aviation fuel) Method Marine (gas, diesel, propane, compressed air, oxygen and various other compressed gases) 50 First St. 380 Main St. MAP #14 REFERENCE TABLE Propane and Fuel Storage (Central) Map Plot # Site Name Location 1 Café Pamplona 1084 Pacific Rim Hwy. 2 Mackenzie Beach Resort 1101 Pacific Rim Hwy. 3 Middle Beach Resort 400 Mackenzie Beach 4 Mini Motel 350 Olsen Rd. 5 Ocean Village Beach Resort 555 Hellesen Rd. 6 Pacific Breeze 760 Campbell St. 7 Tin Wis Resort 1119 Pacific Rim Hwy. Map Plot # Fuel Site Name & Fuel Type(s) Location A B C Co-Op Gas Bar (Gas, diesel & propane) Esso station (Gas) Gibson Bros. Contracting (Gas and diesel) 797 Campbell St. 921 Campbell St. 680 Industrial Way

9 MAP #15 REFERENCE TABLE Propane and Fuel Storage (South) Storage Number Site Name (South) Location 1 Clayoquot-Orca Resort 1254 Pacific Rim Hwy. 2 Crystal Cove Resort 1165 Cedarwood Pl. 3 Dolphin Motel 1190 Pacific Rim Hwy. 4 Wickaninnish Inn 500 Osprey Lane 5 Pacific Sands Resort 1421 Pacific Rim Hwy. 6 Long Beach Resort 1441 Pacific Rim Hwy.