The TNRD is proceeding with plans to build a fire hall in Monte Creek following a successful referendum held on Saturday, May 28, 2022.
Next Steps
Firefighter Recruitment
Recruitment began in summer of 2022, starting with an Open House for residents who are interested in becoming a firefighter (held on July 23, 2022). Recruitment will continue through the fall of 2022.
Fire Hall Construction
The design and tender for the new fire hall in Monte Creek will begin in fall of 2022. Construction of the new hall will begin in the spring of 2023 at the earliest.
Becoming a Firefighter
- No previous experience is necessary to become a volunteer
firefighter – volunteers train to professional standards; - Volunteer firefighters of all ages and backgrounds are
welcome, male or female; - Volunteers are paid per call for their response,
training and practices; - All required PPE and training are provided –
no out-of-pocket costs; - Volunteer firefighters commit to two hours
per week of training at their local fire hall; - Volunteer firefighters receive insurance coverage through
WorkSafeBC, 24-hour accident insurance coverage, and
$100,000 life insurance in case of accidental death; and - The federal government provides tax credits to volunteer
firefighters who serve at least 200 hours per year.
- A Valid Driver’s License
(minimum); - Minimum 18 years of age;
- Physically able to perform
tasks and duties of the job
(medical clearance) - Criminal Records Check;
- Able to commit to training; and
- Live and/or work in the
response area.
Fire Hall Location
- The fire hall will be built at 1215 Hook Road, in Monte Creek, B.C. within Electoral Area “L” (Grasslands). It will be built on land that has been generously offered as a donation by the Herman Family.
- The fire hall will serve 356 properties in Electoral Areas “L” (Grasslands) and “P” (Rivers and the Peaks), including properties in Monte Creek, Del Oro, Lafarge, and on the east end of Barnhartvale Road.
Fire Service Costs
- The capital budget for construction of the fire hall is $2.25 million. This cost includes approximately $1.3 million for the construction of a fire hall, $750,000 for a fire truck and fire tender, and $200,000 for personal protective equipment.
- The TNRD has secured $1 million in grant funding for capital costs, through the Canada Community Building Fund. Remaining costs of up to $1.25 million will be borrowed by the TNRD through the Municipal Finance Authority, to be paid back over a period of 20 years by owners of the 356 properties within the service area.
- The annual operating budget will be $175,000, paid for through property taxes based on the assessed value of each property. There is no impact to property taxes in 2022. The maximum tax rate for operational costs is 66.5 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed value.
Questions? Contact the TNRD:
Phone: 250-377-8673
Email: csadmin@tnrd.ca
Background Information
June 16, 2022: The Board adopted Monte Creek Fire Protection Service Area Service Establishment Bylaws 2774 & 2775. Following a 30-day challenge period, the TNRD may proceed with the project.
May 28, 2022: Property owners from 356 properties were eligible to vote in the Monte Creek Fire Protection Service Referendum. Official results show 142 votes in favour out of 196 votes cast.
March 24, 2022: The Board of Directors approved third reading to Monte Creek Fire Protection Service Area Service Establishment Bylaws 2774 & 2775, to be brought forward for adoption if the referendum passed.
February 24, 2022: The Board of Directors directed staff to initiate a referendum as the method of public assent procee for the establishment of a new fire protection service for the Monte Creek area.
September 28, 2021: A public information session was held by TNRD staff at the Pritchard Community Hall, to provide key information about the proposed fire protection service. The meeting was well attended by area residents.
April 22, 2021: The Board of Directors received the Pritchard Fire Department Area Expansion final report from Dave Mitchell & Associates, and authorized staff to consult with residents to gauge interest on establishing fire protection service.