By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

The Osoyoos Fire Department has added a new budget item – for a marine rescue boat and equipment – as the Town works its way through the budget process.

In a report to Council, Ryan McCaskilll, Deputy Chief of the department said the rescue boat would include fire suppression capabilities and fully equipped would cost approximately $75,000. The lion’s share would be covered by grant funding of $50,000, with the remaining $25,000 coming from reserves.

Town Administration has applied for a grant to assist with the rescue equipment for the vessel with a decision expected in November 2025.

McCaskill said the dedicated resources were important to ensure effective water rescue and fire suppression services on the lake, for the safety of residents and visitors in Osoyoos.

“Currently if there is a water rescue required on the lake, the department relies on those residents/visitors who are on the lake in their personal watercraft to bring the patients to the shoreline for treatment and transport,” he said.

The fire department has been working on water rescue training to be able to respond and assist with other agencies and the department currently has approximately 16 trained firefighters able to respond to water rescue and fire suppression services with the remaining fire fighters to be trained at a later date.

If the project does not move forward McCaskill said the Osoyoos Fire Rescue “will remain unable to respond to water-related emergencies, necessitating that individuals seek assistance independently or from untrained bystanders, which may not guarantee safety or timely help.”

Should the stars align, McCaskill said the department is aiming to have the boat on the water in 2026. Currently only the RCMP has an official emergency presence on the lake but the Times Chronicle understands its use is constrained due to extensive training requirements that take place on the coast, which are difficult to achieve given limited staffing numbers.

Also in the budget for 2026 are two projects carried forward from 2025 – computer replacements for $12,000 and a used aerial apparatus for $60,000, both of which are funded from reserves. The aerial apparatus has been discussed over the last two to three years as currently the Osoyoos Fire Rescue cannot reach some of the taller buildings in town with existing equipment.