On October 5, 2019,  members from the Federal District Council participated in a mock disaster exercise at Pinhey’s Point in Dunrobin.

They were joined by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Ottawa Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, the Civilian Aviation Search and Rescue Association, the Salvation Army, the Amateur Radio Emergency Service, and Team Rubicon. A second exercise was simultaneously held across the river in Quebec by organizers in that region.

The mock exercise was in response to a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. In particular, the Dunrobin Exercise mimicked a search and rescue operation, looking for missing campers in the back country. Resources from all the organizations were mobilized to conduct ground, air, and water search and rescue operations to recover 25 missing and injured people.

Over 380 volunteers participated in the scenario. Michel Doré, SJA National Coordinator for Emergency Management, spearheaded the exercise for both Ontario and Quebec. He is commended for his hard work not only in this exercise, but for five previous exercises in Quebec all aimed at improving our emergency preparedness during a natural disaster. Congratulations to Michel and all of the volunteers who took part!