Operations

Emergency Response Organization

Durham Region activates a comprehensive emergency response organization in order to manage emergencies.

With the exception of a nuclear emergency, which is controlled by the Province from the onset, Durham Region uses a bottom-up approach in all phases of non-nuclear emergency management with emergency activities being initiated at the municipal level of government.

Regional Emergency Operations Centre

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) is located in the Town of Whitby. The centre is staffed by senior personnel from Regional departments, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) and other designated community partners. These personnel co-ordinate the response effort to emergencies by integrating resources within the Region and facilitating co-ordination with the Province.

Depending on the level of the response required, the REOC can operate on a 24-hour-a-day-basis.

The alternate Emergency Operations Centre is located in the Township of Scugog.

Declaration of An Emergency

In accordance with the provisions of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, R.S.O., 1990, Chapter E.9, Section 4, the Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, may declare that an emergency exists within the Region or any part thereof and may take such action and make such orders as is reasonable and necessary to protect the health, safety and property of the residents of the Region. By-Law No. 04-2004 (PDF)

The Medical Officer of Health, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), has the authority to control communicable diseases and the power to identify, reduce or eliminate health hazards. The Medical Officer of Health has the overall responsibility for directing the public health response to an influenza pandemic in Durham Region.