Fire session on tap

Published: April 14, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon residents are being given another chance to learn more about proposed changes to fire protection. The city will hold an information sessions on its fire rescue service review today at 6 p.m. at the Vernon Recreation Complex. “I would like people to come out from all areas of Vernon and we can answer any questions they have,” said Jeff Carlisle, fire chief. A similar meeting was held last Thursday and it attracted about 12 people. “We were able to engage with those folks and try to show them that we’re not trying to squeeze volunteers out,” said Carlisle. The business plan includes the possibility of the Okanagan Landing fire hall operating independently and coming under the administrative structure of the downtown hall.

If integration were to occur, some full-time, paid firefighters could be stationed at the Landing hall with volunteers. However, some residents have suggested the plan could eventually lead to no volunteers at the hall and an expanded paid force could increase their taxes. Much of the focus to date has been on Okanagan Landing, but Carlisle insists the business plan has implications for the rest of the community as well, including the main part of Vernon and Predator Ridge. “It’s about a consistent and equitable level of service for the entire community,” he said, adding that the plan also calls for the creation of performance targets. After the information session Wednesday, the public will have a chance to provide direct feedback on the fire service review at an input meeting May 7 at Wesbild Centre at 6 p.m.