On Wednesday, November 19, emergency management teams from across central Alberta gathered at the Lacombe Memorial Centre for the Lacombe Regional Emergency Management Partnership (LREMP) exercise. The scenario—a fast-moving wildfire sweeping across the western side of the County between Sylvan Lake and Gull Lake—tested participants’ coordination and decision-making under pressure. Homes, summer villages, and agricultural lands were all at risk, requiring collaboration across municipal and regional boundaries.
Scott Cameron, Co-Founder of Emergency Management Logistics Canada (EMLCanada), joined the exercise as part of the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) Logistics Section. Equipped with a laptop and access to the EMLCanada platform, Scott was able to simulate real-world conditions by identifying potential local, neighbouring, and national resources. While direct supplier contact was not initiated—out of respect for participants’ time—it was valuable to confirm that critical contact information was accessible, accurate, and current.
Among the simulated resource needs were food services, hotel accommodations, transport logistics, communications equipment, weather data, traffic control, animal transport, PPE, water, and agricultural supports. Each of these requirements highlighted how quickly needs multiply during disaster response—and how essential it is to have the right connections ready before an emergency occurs.
The exercise demonstrated the power of access. As the EMLCanada platform grows, communities will have faster, more efficient ways to connect with businesses and organizations offering essential products, services, and supports. The result? Stronger logistics, faster response times, and a more resilient Alberta.
Looking ahead, EMLCanada plans to integrate exercise functionality directly into the platform—allowing Logistics Sections to “live-action” their tools during training events. This innovation will help communities not only respond better in real emergencies but also strengthen their readiness through realistic, hands-on practice.
