Bessborough Fire Service Expansion Study

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Consultation has concluded.

The PRRD and FireWise engaged residents in the targeted communities through in-person town hall sessions, and a community survey from July to September 2024 which captured 94 responses.

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

If expanded fire protection services is something the community becomes interested in again, the Peace River Regional District Regional Board may choose to revisit the idea.

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is seeking public input regarding the potential expansion of fire protection services to Bessborough and the neighboring rural areas of Farmington and Sunrise Valley in Electoral Area D.

This initiative is part of a broader interest group and public engagement strategy aimed at determining interest, setting expectations, assessing feasibility and informing the decision-making processes.

The PRRD has partnered with FireWise, a seasoned fire protection consultant with a strong understanding of the unique nature of rural communities, front-line firefighting and neighboring fire protection arrangements.

The Regional District engaged residents in the target communities through in-person town hall sessions and a community survey from July to September 2024.

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.

The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is seeking public input regarding the potential expansion of fire protection services to Bessborough and the neighboring rural areas of Farmington and Sunrise Valley in Electoral Area D.

This initiative is part of a broader interest group and public engagement strategy aimed at determining interest, setting expectations, assessing feasibility and informing the decision-making processes.

The PRRD has partnered with FireWise, a seasoned fire protection consultant with a strong understanding of the unique nature of rural communities, front-line firefighting and neighboring fire protection arrangements.

The Regional District engaged residents in the target communities through in-person town hall sessions and a community survey from July to September 2024.

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.

Consultation has concluded.

The PRRD and FireWise engaged residents in the targeted communities through in-person town hall sessions, and a community survey from July to September 2024 which captured 94 responses.

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

If expanded fire protection services is something the community becomes interested in again, the Peace River Regional District Regional Board may choose to revisit the idea.

Your questions will be submitted to the project team to be answered as soon as possible.

  • Share Why were there no costs or breakdown for Option #2, which would be just a Volunteer Fire Dept? I believe this is the Option that the majority of the people in the area wanted. - Thanks on Facebook Share Why were there no costs or breakdown for Option #2, which would be just a Volunteer Fire Dept? I believe this is the Option that the majority of the people in the area wanted. - Thanks on Twitter Share Why were there no costs or breakdown for Option #2, which would be just a Volunteer Fire Dept? I believe this is the Option that the majority of the people in the area wanted. - Thanks on Linkedin Email Why were there no costs or breakdown for Option #2, which would be just a Volunteer Fire Dept? I believe this is the Option that the majority of the people in the area wanted. - Thanks link

    Why were there no costs or breakdown for Option #2, which would be just a Volunteer Fire Dept? I believe this is the Option that the majority of the people in the area wanted. - Thanks

    Eugene asked about 1 month ago

    Hi, good question!

    The cost of starting a volunteer department is the same as starting either a composite hall or a career hall. The same equipment and training is required and there are still ongoing operational and capital costs.

    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.

  • Share So I signed up saying I would volunteer for this have phone number and email and just heard now there has been meetings what’s up with that? on Facebook Share So I signed up saying I would volunteer for this have phone number and email and just heard now there has been meetings what’s up with that? on Twitter Share So I signed up saying I would volunteer for this have phone number and email and just heard now there has been meetings what’s up with that? on Linkedin Email So I signed up saying I would volunteer for this have phone number and email and just heard now there has been meetings what’s up with that? link

    So I signed up saying I would volunteer for this have phone number and email and just heard now there has been meetings what’s up with that?

    Sharky asked about 1 year ago

    Hi Sharky, the meetings on September 24 and 26 at the Farmington Community Hall were town halls for residents to ask the project team questions about the feasibility study. We are still in the data gathering stage, and if the project advances where a new service is established the PRRD will definitely be in contact with everyone who expressed interest in volunteering.

    Thank you!