Charlie Lake Fire Services Expansion

Consultation has concluded.

The new service areas and tax increases began on January 1, 2022. As of this date, residents in the expansion areas can call 911 for emergencies, and the Charlie Lake Fire Hall at 250-785-1424 for non-emergencies.

• Project Updates

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  As of January 1, 2022 The Peace River Regional District with Charlie Lake Fire Department will increase the size of the fire protection area for the Charlie Lake Fire Department (CLFD). The expansion includes Area C and Area B, specifically the areas of Sawyer Subdivision, Red Creek South, Bear Flats, and South Montney. Services would result in a tax increase for the property owners within the new expansion area.

  
  

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  The results of the public consultation

  • Support for the Rural Fire Protection Expansion was overwhelmingly in favour of the expansion among voter turnout.
  • Consultation turnout was at 34%, with 61 out of the 182 eligible properties.
  • Overall, support for the expansion was 70% in favour, 18% opposed, and 0% unsure/undecided.
  • The areas of Red Creek South, Sawyer Subdivision, and South Montney were all over 80% in favour, with Bear Flats being the exception.

  
  

  
  

  In order to determine if there is support from the property owners to expand the service area boundaries, the following consultation was conducted

  1. An information package was mailed on May 25, 2021, to all property owners in the proposed expansion areas providing details of the costs and services being offered.
  2. A “Have Your Say” page was developed and published May 25, 2021, that provided the content in the information package online.
  3. Advertising through traditional and social media was conducted from May 25, 2021, to July 17, 2021, to encourage property owners to review the information and provide feedback on the proposal.
  4. Two virtual town hall meetings were held on June 15, 2021, hosted by the Electoral Area C & B Directors, supported by staff and the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief from the Charlie Lake Fire Department.
  5. Paper based and online surveys were circulated through the information package and the “Have Your Say Platform”.
  6. The information package and surveys were also available for residents within the proposed expansion areas at the Charlie Lake Community Hall during the Health-Related and Seniors Aging in Place Assent Voting on July 17, 2021.
     

  
  

  The results of the public engagement will also be provided to the Ministry as part of the package sent to them for consideration of approval of the amendment bylaw. If the Inspector approves the bylaw, it will come back to the Regional Board for adoption.

  
  

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  Virtual Town Hall recording now available

  Thank you to everyone who joined us for the virtual town hall meetings on June 15. A recording of the meeting for Area B is now available to watch: https://youtu.be/n1-GllhSgOs

  
  

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• Next Steps

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  As of January 1, 2022 The Peace River Regional District and the Charlie Lake Fire Department will increase the size of the fire protection area for the Dawson Creek Fire Department (DCFD). The expansion includes Area C and Area B, specifically the areas of Sawyer Subdivision, Red Creek South, Bear Flats, and South Montney,. Services would result in a tax increase for the property owners within the new expansion area.

  
  

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  The results of the public engagement will also be provided to the Ministry as part of the package sent to them for consideration of approval of the amendment bylaw. If the Inspector approves the bylaw, it will come back to the Board for adoption. Once the Inspector approves the service, a public information campaign will run for the remainder of 2021 to ensure residents of those new areas are informed that the service will be effective January 1, 2022.

  
  

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  There are a number of ways that you can provide your input and opinion:

  1. Attend the virtual town hall and provide your thoughts.
  2. Write a letter or email expressing your opinion about whether you are in favour or not in favour of receiving the service.
  3. Complete the survey.
  4. Cast a vote expressing your opinion on July 17, 2021 or during advanced voting, by completing the survey.

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