NEWS l May 2026 Emergency Preparedness Week Events
.
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is inviting residents to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week events, taking place May 2 to May 8, 2026. This national awareness campaign encourages individuals and families to take proactive steps to ensure they are ready to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities in the event of an emergency.
As part of this year’s initiative, the SRD is offering a series of preparedness workshops and free community first aid certification courses. These opportunities are designed to equip residents across the regional district with the knowledge and skills needed to provide immediate assistance in the event of injury or illness.
“During a sudden medical emergency or accident, individuals with first aid training are better prepared to take action and help prevent a person’s condition from worsening,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “For patients, this can significantly impact recovery time. First aid training also helps people feel more confident and capable when responding to unexpected situations.”
A full schedule of Emergency Preparedness Week 2026 events is provided below. For events taking place over two days, attendance at both sessions is required.
| Date | Community | Event | Location | Time |
| Saturday May 2 & Sunday May 3 |
Outer Discovery Islands | Marine (Basic) First Aid | Read Island Bunkhouse | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (both days) |
| Sunday May 3 | Cortes Island | Household Preparedness | Mansons Hall | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| Monday May 4 | Cortes Island | Pet Preparedness | Gorge Hall | 10:30 am – 12:30 pm |
| Monday May 4 | Quadra Island | Emergency (Basic) First Aid | Camp Homewood | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Monday May 4 | Sayward | Structural Protection Unit Demonstration | Heritage Hall | 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm |
| Monday May 4 & Tuesday May 5 |
Campbell River | Emergency (Basic) First Aid | Strathcona Gardens | 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (both evenings) |
| Wednesday May 6 & Thursday May 7 |
Zeballos | Marine (Basic) First Aid | Community Hall | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (both days) |
| Wednesday May 6 & Thursday May 7 |
Campbell River | Standard (Intermediate) First Aid | Strathcona Gardens | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (both days) |
| Wednesday May 6 | Regional | Tsunami Boater Safety | Virtual (Zoom) | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Wednesday May 6 | Tahsis | Preparing for Wildfires | Tahsis Recreation Centre | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday May 7 |
Gold River
|
Preparing for Wildfires | Gerry Morgan Memorial Centre | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm OR 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Thursday May 7 | Regional | Household Preparedness | Virtual (Zoom) | 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Friday May 8 | Campbell River | Emergency (Basic) First Aid | Strathcona Gardens | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Friday May 8 | Sayward | Emergency (Basic) First Aid | Kelsey Centre | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm |
To register for free first aid certification courses or to access Zoom links for virtual sessions, please visit: www.srd.ca/epweek-2026
Photo caption: Strathcona Gardens lifeguards Maria Shiochate, Erika Sewid, and Sev Nammour demonstrate proper CPR technique during a Surf Rescue certification course.
-##-
Media Contact:
Shaun Koopman, SRD Emergency Services Manager
250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca