Region of Durham puts its emergency response to the test

The Region of Durham put its emergency response to the test! Durham Region Emergency Social Services (ESS) led an exercise designed to strengthen preparedness and ensure that the Region is ready to support residents in an emergency.

The June 3 exercise simulated a gas leak that forced Fairview Lodge Long-Term Care Home and nearby residents to evacuate (staff participants played these roles; there was no service disruption to long-term care residents). Working in partnership with the City of Pickering, ESS opened an emergency evacuation centre at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.

Participants managed the impacts of a sudden evacuation, which includes co-ordinating transportation, delivering care, and ensuring services are accessible and compassionate. Real-time problem-solving and communication were key elements of the exercise.

“This exercise demonstrated strong collaboration across community partners, highlighting the importance of teamwork in crisis situations,” said Jonathan Dixon, Director of Business Services, Durham Region Social Services.

“Emergency teams demonstrated their ability to work seamlessly under pressure, ensuring that residents’ needs remained the top priority,” said Dixon.

A wide range of organizations participated in the exercise, including Durham Region Social Services, Public Health, Durham Regional Police Service and Durham Region Transit; Fairview Lodge staff; City of Pickering Fire Services, Community Services and Animal Services; Town of Whitby Fire Services; Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Volunteer Emergency Response Team, Salvation Army and St. John Ambulance. An Emergency Management Ontario field officer attended on behalf of the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.

“This exercise reinforced the Region’s ability to deliver a unified and effective emergency response—particularly when supporting long-term care residents,” said Sarah Alton, Emergency Management Coordinator, Durham Region Social Services.

“Collaboration between municipalities and community partners remains essential to protecting residents in times of crisis,” said Alton. “Together, we demonstrated a co-ordinated, solutions-focused response.”

Lessons learned will help to refine emergency plans and strengthen response capabilities.