In this agenda, there is a copy of the tsunami report for Tahsis that has many helpful tips for how to respond during and after a major seismic event. This is an important and potentially lifesaving read and it will be posted to the Village website. It is important to address one assumption that I have heard many times; that the earthquake epicentre will be offshore and that Nootka Island will protect us. This could be true, but it also assumes that there will not be rockslides into Tahsis Inlet, or that a slump of the delta at Tsowwin Narrows would not occur, in which case there will only be minutes to evacuate. Also, it is not generally known that two fault lines intersect in the inlet right at town. One fault created Tahsis and Muchalat Inlets. Another can be traced down Weymer Creek and up Extravagant Creek. These are not faults that reflect megathrust earthquakes, but they are lines of slippage. Our flood wall project will provide some protection from tsunamis, but ideally the Head Bay Road in town should be raised. This would be a major undertaking and is not currently funded.
Theres some interesting news that is alluded to in this agenda. Our long-stalled boat launch and dock contract has finally been awarded. Our previous tender was cancelled due to the bids coming in much higher than the funds available. This was due to supply chain issues post-Covid and the backlog of large construction projects on this coast that drove up bid prices. Our newest bidding process closed and the contract to replace the boat launch and build a launch float and public washroom adjacent has been awarded for about $800,000. This leaves a further $1.3 million in grant money which can now be used for further upgrades such as rebuilding the airline dock and float. Other amenities such as a gazebo for whale watching or creating some slips is now possible and negotiations are beginning to explore these possibilities. It will also provide breathing room for potential cost overruns. I should also mention the recent structure fire, the ninth in two years. This is a disturbing trend and it needs to be emphasized that citizens need to make sure that their smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are in place and up to date. Faulty wiring problems can also be catastrophic and if you have breakers tripping during higher loads or have burned a socket, these are warning signs that safety improvements are necessary.
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