Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is seeking voters’ approval in the Quesnel Fringe Fire Protection Area to borrow up to $3.25 million for a new firehall in Red Bluff. If approved by voters, the CRD will borrow this funding over a 30-year term and begin the process to build a new firehall. Any person who resides in the service area or owns property in it can cast their vote on the proposed loan by October 26, 2024.
The Red Bluff Firehall was first built in 1981 and enables the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department to provide fire protection to properties in Red Bluff, Dragon Lake, Richbar, and South Quesnel. Due to a much larger population, significant commercial and industrial developments, and changing firefighting standards, the existing firehall no longer meets the needs of the Quesnel Volunteer Fire Department and must either be retrofitted or replaced.
The CRD conducted initial design and scoping works on two options, and found that building a new firehall would be more cost-effective than renovating and adding on to the existing building. Cost estimates for an expansion identified that a renovation and expansion would cost at least $4.6 million, in addition to costs for seismic stability upgrades, works to achieve BC Building Code compliance, design and engineering costs, and other project management related costs. In comparison, it is estimated that constructing a new building on the same site would cost $3.25 million.
The construction of a modern firehall will also ensure that the Quesnel Fringe Fire Protection Area is equipped with a functional facility that allows the department to train personnel and maintain resources to effectively respond to emergencies, safeguard lives, and protect property. If approved, the new firehall will be a significant step forward in upgrading the existing fire service infrastructure. It will feature modern amenities, improved functionality, and increased capacity to accommodate current and future needs. The facility is designed to optimize emergency response times and ensure the utmost efficiency for the dedicated firefighting personnel.
"The safety and well-being of our residents is our utmost priority," said Mary Sjostrom, Director for Electoral Area ‘A’ of the Cariboo Regional District. "By seeking voter approval to secure the necessary funds for the new firehall, we are taking the necessary steps to enhance emergency response capabilities and strengthen fire protection services to better serve the community."
If the borrowing bylaw is approved, residential property taxes would increase by $21.40 per $100,000 of assessed value, based on 2024 assessment values. For the average home, property taxes would increase by $70.62 per year based on a $330,000 assessed value. The current residential property tax rate for the Quesnel Fringe Area Fire Protection Service is $39.28 per $100,000. Property taxes for businesses and industrial properties in the service area would increase by $52.43 per $100,000 and $72.76 per $100,000 respectively.
All eligible voters in the Quesnel Fringe Fire Protection Area are encouraged to participate in the referendum and make their votes count. A public information meeting will be held at École Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary on October 9, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for voters to speak directly with CRD representatives about the referendum and proposed borrowing bylaw. Voters can cast their ballots at one of the advance voting opportunities at the Quesnel & District Arts & Recreation Centre on October 16 or on October 21. The last opportunity to cast a vote is on General Voting Day at École Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary on October 26. Mail ballot packages are also available by request for any voter wishing to cast their vote by mail, which can be requested any time between September 23 and 4:00 p.m. on October 24, 2024.
Detailed information about the Red Bluff Firehall Replacement project and the upcoming referendum is available on the CRD’s Website at www.cariboord.ca/red-bluff-firehall. Questions about voting opportunities and requirements can be directed to Alice Johnston, Chief Election Officer, by phone at 1-800-665-1636.
