Is it scientifically possible to force an earthquake?

I live in Vancouver, BC and we are expected to have a major earthquake sometime in the future. I was thinking, if we were to completely evacuate the area and build a large enough bomb (H-bomb or whatever), could we force the earthquake to occur and release the tension on the tectonic plates thereby potentially saving hundreds or thousands of lives? Please do not question the practical side of this idea. I am well aware of the practical problems. I only want to know if it is scientifically possible.