We'd like to send a big thank you for community volunteers for stepping up to help those waiting for the Brentwood Bay/Mill Bay Ferry on Monday, November 15, 2021.
I was one of many stranded in Brentwood bay ferry line Monday night. I really want to acknowledge Mark Sampson and Vanna Daniels from Tsartlip First Nations who stayed up all night driving people to the washroom and waking people up as traffic moved through the night. What amazing father daughter team. They drove an older big SUV. Taking us to use the washroom at the community hall. I saw CTV interviewing some other great people who were bring snacks and coffee to the line up and I wanted these 2 to be acknowledged too. - Catherine Nash
I wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your help last night, Nov 15. Handing out blankets while we were waiting for the Brentwood Bay Ferry to go home. It was a long, cold night and those blankets were practically lifesavers. Thank you so much. You and others who were out delivering snacks, coffee, water and sandwiches made the wait bearable.
Thank you to all the people who reached out to thank me for helping out at the Community Hall during the recent emergency. I played a small part in a big team effort overseen by our local Police and Fire Departments. They were assisted that evening by many organizations including the Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization, PEMO Search and Rescue, the Tsartlip First Nations, the local business community and many community volunteers. The Brentwood Bay Community Hall Service Club executive were supported by our Mayor and Council throughout the emergency. Within 10 minutes of asking for help, a steady stream of volunteers had arrived at the Community Hall with food, water and emergency supplies to assist the volunteers who had been serving those in need throughout the day. We were able to serve many grateful people during a difficult time until the early hours of the morning. I would encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with PEMO at www.PEMO.ca and to visit the CRD site for a long list of additional Fire and Emergency Programs and Community Services at www.CRD.bc.ca
Special thanks to Lisa, Farrah, Leo, Mona, Earl, Anne, Nat, David, Mark, Vanessa, Gary, Terri and all those who offered to assist.
We are in good hands in the event of future emergencies. - Al Schofield, Brentwood Community Hall member
We'd like to send a big thank you for community volunteers for stepping up to help those waiting for the Brentwood Bay/Mill Bay Ferry on Monday night.
Central Saanich was impacted by Monday, November 12, 2021 record-breaking weather event. With the Malahat closed, and BC Ferries working through the evening to cope with the traffic congestion trying to get everyone home to their families there was an estimated 236 vehicles (approximately 400 people) stranded overnight in Central Saanich.
Vehicles were parked along Verdier Ave and down West Saanich Road. At approximately 22:20, the District's Emergency Program initiated the activation of a Warming Centre. While PEMO (Peninsula Emergency Measures Organization) Volunteers were deployed, the Brentwood Bay Community Hall opened their doors, providing a comfortable place to go, restrooms, and a warm drink. Our Emergency Program shifted gears into supporting the Brentwood Bay Community Hall by providing them resources/equipment such as comfort kits, blankets, hygiene products and diapers.
Search and Rescue crew and our Emergency Program walked Verdier Ave and West Saanich Road, passing out warm blankets, bottled water, and comfort and conversation to those in their vehicles. Despite the fact that it was outside of the traditional scope of PEMO ESS (Emergency Support Services) and SAR (Search and Rescue), both teams jumped in and offered assistance.
What would have been a frustratingly long situation for those just wanting to get home, we witnessed our community coming together in the face of adversity. Pizza, infant formula, diapers, and even hamburgers were being offered by families in our community. Members of the Tsartlip First Nations were seen in safety vests walking individuals to the warming center from their vehicles.
The District of Central Saanich is very proud of our PEMO Volunteers and grateful to residents who volunteered their time during the day and evening.
Thank you to Central Saanich Police Services, the Fire Department and Public Works for their assistance as well.