Emergency Reception Centre

What Is the Emergency Reception Centre?

The Emergency Reception Centre is established during emergencies to assist those affected by disasters. Staffed by trained Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers, the Centre provides:

  • Emergency registration and assistance
  • Up-to-date information
  • Short-term lodging, food, and clothing
  • Family reunification and emotional support
  • Child care, pet services, and transportation coordination

Emergency Reception Centres are most commonly activated for events such as tsunamis, wildfires, flooding, extreme-temperature events, or major power outages, when temporary relocation is needed.

The District of Tofino will announce the opening of the Emergency Reception Centre through its various communications channels, including:

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive at the Emergency Reception Centre, you will be greeted by ESS volunteers who will help you register and assess your immediate needs.

You can expect assistance with:

  • Registering via the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool
  • Accessing short-term accommodations, meals, and supplies
  • Reconnecting with family members or receiving updates on affected areas
  • Getting support for dependents, pets, or mobility needs
  • Receiving reliable information about the emergency and next steps

Online Pre-Registration Encouraged

To speed up the process and reduce wait times, evacuees are encouraged to pre-register using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. This helps ESS responders deliver timely and accurate support. If you are unable to register online, in-person registration is always available at the Emergency Reception Centre.