This conceptual drawing presented to councillors in their agenda package shows what the completed new fire hall could look like. Council has backed away from a referendum.
Dear Editor:
I have recently retired, having lived in Fort St. John for a number of years, and now purchased a condominium here in town.
As part of my getting to know the community, I took the opportunity, when it was offered, to view the existing fire hall, meet the Fire Chief and some of the volunteers and to see first hand what the existing structure and conditions looked like.
I was also afforded the opportunity to examine the proposal for the new fire hall.
I later attended the proposed fire hall meeting at the Sonora Community Centre.
I was impressed with the way the proposed financing and the costing structure was presented.
It was explained that the costs would be approximately $8 million (land and structure inclusive) and these costs would be borne by the Osoyoos Rural Fire Protection District, the Osoyoos Indian Band and the municipality of Osoyoos.
The town portion would be approximately $4.0 million. These costs would be repayable through taxes over a 30-year period.
The ability to recruit and retain volunteers is a difficult process.
Working conditions and a safe working environment play a large part in the ability to both recruit and retain current staffing levels.
The location and current conditions of the existing fire hall, while adequate 30 years ago, are inadequate by today’s standards.
While the cost of the new fire hall may seem high, current building codes demand an increase in those standards. In my view, the Alternate Approval Process (AAP) process is a democratic and cost effective process for a community to approve and give support to the project.
By trying to place it on this year’s municipal elections as a referendum, or by waiting until next year, would only increase those costs.
There was nothing palatial in the design for what is proposed in the plan.
It identifies a location and a structure that would meet the current demands of the community and the vision to see the future as the town grows.
It has been designed to anticipate future growth and the ability to adapt as the need arises.
This is the reason I am writing this letter, I fully support the new fire hall proposal and those who volunteer to keep this town safe.
I respect their request to work in a safe and proper environment and to provide the important fire protection services this town requires. I would ask that the community give their support to this project as proposed also by means of the “Alternate Approval Process.”
Thank you.
Paul Perkins
Osoyoos, B.C.
