From the CEO’s desk
Contents
01: Wildfire Preparedness 2024
02: AVENS Is Not Skidding Anymore, But Steering Its Way To Safer Roads
03: Our Partner: The Yellowknife Senior Society
04: Pavilion Tunnel “Batcave” Update
Wildfire Preparedness 2024As the CEO of AVENS Long-Term Care facility, the harrowing experience of last year's full-scale wildfire evacuation has underscored the critical importance of robust wildfire preparation tailored for our most vulnerable members. This year, our approach to wildfire preparedness required significant adjustments and enhancements to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff.
“When it comes to wildfire evacuation, every second counts. Prioritizing preparedness means prioritizing safety.”Daryl Dolynny Pres/CEO AVENS- A Community for Seniors
We are leveraging insights learned from last year's evacuation to fortify our protocols. This involves refining evacuation procedures, such as establishing clearer communication channels and bolstering staff readiness on evacuation logistics and resident care during crises.
We're also prioritizing individualized resident assessments to identify unique needs and dependencies. This enables tailored support plans and ensures swift action to safeguard vulnerable residents. Strengthening our ties with emergency services and community partners will streamline resource coordination, such as medical assistance and safe transportation. In tandem, AVENS is investing in facility resilience through infrastructure upgrades and landscape management. Implementing and further advancing “Fire Smart” defensible space around the facility mitigates fire risks, bolstering our defenses against future wildfires.
To drive continuous improvement, we've established a Wildfire Task Force. Comprised of internal stakeholders, this team will be reviewing our “lessons learned and recommendation report”, identify further gaps, and propose policy accreditation enhancements. The AVENS Wildfire Task Force will inform revised guidelines to bolster our wildfire readiness.
Furthermore, we're engaging in dialogue with both Territorial and Municipal Governments. Collaborative discussions center on clarifying roles and responsibilities in any future wildfire response efforts. By aligning with governmental bodies, we enhance coordination, resource allocation, communication, and community resilience in the face of wildfires.
As your CEO, I'm committed to proactive measures, collaboration, and continuous improvement to safeguard the well-being of our residents and staff. Together with our partners, we're poised to navigate future wildfire seasons with resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to our community's most vulnerable members.
AVENS Is Not Skidding Anymore, But Steering Its Way To Safer Roads
I'm delighted to share a significant milestone for our facility! Through strategic planning with ourNEW Pavilion project and CMHC, we've acquired a new skid steer for our maintenance department. This critical addition will bolster our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents and staff.
With next winter season right around the corner (I know, dreaded thought), the skid steer will play a pivotal role in keeping our roadways clear of snow and ice, facilitating safe passage for emergency vehicles and ensuring accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Moreover, the versatility of this equipment extends beyond snow removal.
We're excited to utilize the skid steer in our fire-smarting efforts to mitigate wildfire risks on our property. By maintaining defensible space and implementing proactive fire prevention measures, we're enhancing the safety and resilience of our facility against the threat of wildfires.
This investment reflects our unwavering commitment to providing a secure and comfortable environment for all who call our facility home. We're grateful for the collaborative efforts that have made this acquisition possible and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.
Our Partner: The Yellowknife Senior Society
The Yellowknife Seniors Society had their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at the Baker Centre. Along with their current Board Members and many seniors in attendance, AVENS Board members Ron Allen and Lynda Koe, along with several of my former and current staff of Sara Fullerton (former Director of Finance) and Ghislain Tatem (current Director of Finance) and of course myself were there in support. This was a very quick AGM that reviewed their financials and the election of new officers to their board. Congratulations to those who will continue to serve and welcome to the new members elect.
AVENS looks forward to working with you over the next year, as we open our New Pavilion seniors affordable building on campus.
Pavilion Tunnel “Batcave” Update
After what feels like months in the making, AVENS Pavilion tunnel or what I have referred to as the “CEO’s bat cave” is now in the final stages of completion. This critical piece of infrastructure is what will link the AVENS care areas of the Avens Manor and Cottages to our new kitchen and laundry facilities that will be operating out of the new Pavilion building. I just want to let everyone know that we hope to be wrapped up on this part of the project and have our roadway loop returned to normal use by the end of May or sooner. Until then, for your safety and safety of all, please observe the speed and signage posted.
