More emergency crews in Crossfield and Rocky View next week — but no need to panic

Emergency vehicles, evacuation drills and livestock containment will unfold across parts of Crossfield and Rocky View County on Thursday, May 8, during a full-scale emergency management exercise.

The simulation fulfills a statutory requirement under the Alberta Emergency Management Act, which mandates that municipalities conduct a functional emergency exercise every four years. The province defines this as a live-action simulation that tests communication, coordination and personnel readiness without real public danger.

"You may see a number of emergency vehicles and personnel in your area," the Town of Crossfield stated in a public notice. "This is part of a planned training exercise."

A flyer distributed ahead of the event adds: "You can say hi, wave, talk to us, and watch from a safe distance. Just don’t worry!"

Locations included in the drill

Emergency response teams are scheduled to begin the drill at 8:30 a.m. at 718 McCool St. in Crossfield. According to the official itinerary, the scenario involves a tornado destroying a mobile home park and a major industrial business.

Crews then move to the Fox Meadows acreage community near Highway 567 and Range Road 282A, with evacuation drills, damage assessments and utility disruption. Confirmed agencies include RVC Fire Services, RCMP, RVC Enforcement, Fortis Alberta, Canada Task Force 2 and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

At 11 a.m., a reception centre will be activated at Balzac Hall as part of the exercise, involving the Red Cross, Rocky View Schools, the Animal Emergency Task Force and the Salvation Army. Students from WG Murdoch School will play evacuees during the reception centre portion of the drill.

Emergency gear at Rocky View County Hall will include a Tiger Dam flood protection system, Search and Rescue command trailers and a Disaster Relief Unit from Samaritan’s Purse. According to the advisory, the public is invited to view the equipment between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the County Hall parking lot.

Exercise will test emergency coordination

"This complex scenario is designed to challenge our teams and help us assess how effectively we can deploy resources and manage various emergency situations," the advisory states.

The advisory outlines a simulated tornado causing widespread damage, including flooding and power outages. The drill will also involve notification, activation and communication of the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC), establishment of Unified Command at incident sites, and deployment of All-Hazards Incident Management Teams.

"May 8, 2025, will be an active Emergency Management exercise for Rocky View County, the Town of Crossfield and the Village of Beiseker," the advisory states.

The advisory does not list any simulation sites within the Village of Beiseker.

Public invited to observe at two locations

Balzac Hall will be open for public observation between 9 a.m. and noon, and equipment at Rocky View County Hall will be available for viewing from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., as noted in the advisory.

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