Standardized tools support coordinated access management across local authorities and First Nations during emergency evacuation events

PENTICTON, B.C. – June 25, 2026: BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) has launched a standardized, digitally enabled Temporary Access Pass system designed to help local authorities and First Nations manage timely access to areas under evacuation order during emergencies.

Developed with input from 10 local authorities, First Nations, agricultural stakeholders, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the project builds on existing temporary access pass resources and a digital template concept originally developed by the Township of Spallumcheen. The result is a suite of Word-based and ArcGIS-enabled templates that provide local authorities and First Nations with practical, standardized tools for managing agricultural and other access needs during emergencies.

While temporary access pass systems have existed in various forms across British Columbia for many years, approaches have often differed between jurisdictions and been confusing for users. The new templates provide a consistent framework that can be adapted locally, helping streamline access management and improve coordination during emergency events.

“During an emergency, clarity and consistency are critical,” says Christine Fraser, Mayor of the Township of Spallumcheen. “In 2021 the Township of Spallumcheen recognized a need for a better way to manage temporary access during emergencies and developed an online tool for our community. We then shared that initial online tool with the BC Agricultural Council to further develop the tool along with other local authorities because we saw the value of having a standardized approach that helps streamline access for agricultural producers and others while supporting coordinated decision-making across jurisdictions. By reducing confusion and creating a common process for all partners, this tool will help strengthen collaboration, build confidence among stakeholders, and support a more effective response when it matters most.”

Agricultural producers often require timely access to livestock, crops, equipment and critical farm infrastructure during emergency events. The new system helps support authorized access when safe to do so while providing emergency managers with a more consistent process for managing requests.

“Ranchers and farmers care deeply for their animals, and it becomes extremely stressful when they have to leave them behind during an emergency,” says Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “The Temporary Access Pass system will help producers in arranging timely access back to their property when it’s safe, so they can check on their livestock and property, and make sure their animals have the food, water and care they need.”

Key benefits include:

• Streamlined access management for agricultural producers and others with critical access needs;
• Greater consistency and coordination among jurisdictions;
• A simplified process that reduces confusion and increases compliance with emergency orders during emergencies;
• A proactive framework that supports emergency preparedness and risk mitigation; and
• Stronger collaboration among producers, governments, First Nations, emergency officials and the public.

“This project is about delivering a useful and practical tool that can be put to use before an emergency happens, not while they’re in the middle of one,” says Danielle Synotte, Executive Director of BC Agriculture Council. “By bringing together the experience of local governments, emergency officials and the agriculture sector, we’ve made significant progress in the development of strategic systems that support preparedness, improve access decision making, and help ensure producers can be supported safely and efficiently when every minute counts.”

BC Agriculture Council gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

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For more information:
Ursula Klein
Communications Manager
T: (604) 854-4454 ext. 205
E: communications@bcac.ca

For access to the templates and support materials:
Local authorities and First Nations can request free access from BCAC at projects@bcac.ca

About BC Agriculture Council: BCAC’s mission is to support and grow a competitive agriculture sector by fostering industry collaboration and shaping effective public policy. This is achieved by delivering a unified voice for the sector to government through member farm associations that in turn represent approximately 96% of provincial farm gate sales.