Chilliwack-based operators could soon be handling emergency fire calls in the North Okanagan. On Wednesday, the North Okanagan Regional District board decided to enter into negotiations with the Fraser Valley Regional District to provide fire dispatch service for areas outside of the City of Vernon. “They had the best proposal and it will save us money,” said Herman Halvorson, chairman. NORD issued a request for proposals for the service after Vernon announced it was leaving the regional function so it could focus on infrastructure enhancements required in its community. Eight potential service providers, including Vernon, were approached, but only four bids were received. Vernon did not submit a formal proposal, but it stated it would provide the service as it currently does under contract for the regional function. According to NORD staff, the Fraser Valley dispatch service will result in savings of about $46,000 annually compared to the current budget and $83,688 compared to the Vernon model. “It (Vernon) would have been more costly and we have a responsibility to taxpayers,” said Halvorson. “Also, I feel we will get good service from Fraser Valley.”
The only opposition to negotiations with Fraser Valley came from director Will Hansma. “Vernon, right from the beginning, put an offer on the table,” he said, adding that the city proposed to provide the service at the current price. Hansma is also concerned about operators in Chilliwack not being aware of North Okanagan locations. “Cost is important but I’m concerned about the overall impact on the fire departments. I want that local perspective,” he said. Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, believes the regional district process was slanted against the city. “What I didn’t appreciate was it being presented that we didn’t want to participate in the service,” he said. “We always indicated that we would provide the service for the same (tax) requisition.” Vernon could not vote on the matter Wednesday because it has withdrawn from regional fire dispatch.
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The service areas for the FVRD Dispatch can be found here:
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