The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) says residents in Electoral Area C seem interested in the possibility of a Kimberley Rural Fire Protection Service.
This comes as the RDEK hopes to see the momentum continue after a well-attended public information meeting on Tuesday night.
“Our staff and Kimberley Fire Chief Will Booth did an excellent job of not only providing the details of the proposed service, but in answering the questions that came forward from the public,” said Rob Gay, RDEK Board Chair and Area C Director.
“I was pleased to see such a strong turnout and want to thank everyone who attended.”
If implemented, Gay says this will expand the service area for the Kimberley Fire Department.
“Taxpayers would pay for the service, but they would be considered semi-protected from an insurance perspective. That often means considerable savings in your insurance costs,” said Gay.
“The City would also benefit because we would need to provide another pump truck. That could be used in Kimberley and in the rural areas as well. It would also allow us some additional operations funding.”
The proposed service would be provided by the City of Kimberley and protect properties within the St. Mary Lake Road and Wycliffe areas that are 13km from the fire hall.
Over 50 people attended to learn about how the service would operate, projected costs, taxation impacts and the voting process.
“While this was one opportunity to get information on the proposed service, it is not the only way people can make sure they have all the information they need to make an informed decision when they cast their ballot,” says RDEK Electoral Area E Director Jane Walter.
“For anyone that was unable to attend the meeting in person, there are several resources available on the project page and the RDEK staff are available to answer questions about all aspects of the proposed service.”
According to the RDEK, the proposed taxpayer cost would be a maximum of $1.75 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value, but officials anticipate it to be lower.
Information presented at the community meeting will be posted to the project page.
A General Assent Vote will go ahead on Oct. 26, with an early voting opportunity on Oct. 16.
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