Study Findings and Recommendations

Bessborough Fire Service Expansion Study Findings and Recommendations

June 25, 2025

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) thanks everyone who took part in the Bessborough Fire Service Expansion Study. Our team has reviewed all the information gathered from the Fire Service Needs Assessment.



Fire Service Expansion Decision

On June 19, 2025, the project team presented findings, public feedback and recommendations to the Regional Board. The Regional Board decided not to expand fire services in the area for now. They considered the high costs of starting and maintaining a fire service. These costs include building a facility, buying equipment, and hiring, training and equipping personnel.



Service Options Presented

Our consultant, FireWise, and the project team developed these service options. The Regional Board reviewed them before making their final decision.



Option 1: Maintain the Current Situation (No New Service)

This option means no new fire services will be added. It's the most affordable choice for residents because it doesn't require a large upfront investment that would be covered by taxes. While this may not meet some residents’ hopes, rising costs of fire equipment make it the most cost-effective solution.

Advantages:

  • No costs for a fire hall, trucks, gear, hoses, etc.
  • No ongoing annual operating expenses.
  • No operational liability risks.

Disadvantages:

  • The community will still face the same risks, with no emergency response for non-forestry fires, rescues or other services.
  • This may not meet resident expectations for fire protection.



Option 3: Create a Composite Staffed Fire Service

This option is very expensive. We estimate initial startup costs of $7,500,000 and ongoing operational costs for general expenses, wages, maintenance and future equipment management.

Cost breakdown:

  • Initial capital investment: About $12,500 per resident.
  • Ongoing operational costs: Around $833.33 per resident, totaling $500,000 per year.
  • Additional future capital costs: Another $250,000, or $416.66 per resident.

In total, the first-year cost would be about $13,749.99 per home in the proposed service area (based on around 600 residences). After the first year, ongoing operational costs could add about $1,249.99 per year to each property's tax bill.

Advantages:

  • Personnel costs for a hybrid service are lower than full-time paid fire services.
  • Paid personnel can provide a reliable fire service. The Chief manages administrative tasks, training coordination, on-scene command, budget development, equipment purchases, repairs, public education and fire inspections.
  • The Chief would support volunteer firefighters, ensuring consistent information, training and leadership.

Disadvantages:

  • There are still high capital costs for a fire hall, trucks, gear, hoses, etc.
  • Increased costs would cover salaries, benefits, uniforms, vehicles, computers and backfills.
  • Volunteer firefighter availability 24/7 puts pressure on the Chief, who has limited resources.



Option 5: Expanded Service Delivery Area

The needs assessment states this option is outside the study’s scope and hasn't been detailed. It would be practical if more fire departments were managed by the PRRD. With only two current fire departments, this option isn't viable right now. However, it could be considered in the future if the PRRD manages 1-2 more fire service providers in the Region. Like Option 3, this would have similar costs since creating new regional fire services involves similar expenses as establishing a Composite Staffed Fire Service.

Advantages:

  • If the PRRD chose Options 2, 3 or 4, the tax impact on residents could be high due to the small service area and few affected properties. Expanding the protection area could spread the tax burden more fairly.
  • Another option is to create a regional fire service for all properties within PRRD boundaries. This regionalization could allow the District to implement a Fire Service Property Tax, providing stable funding for a comprehensive Regional Fire Service, like a Regional Solid Waste Program.

Disadvantages:

  • The main drawbacks are that it would require more time and effort to expand the fire protection area or create a full Regional Fire Service.
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