(CFJC Today/File photo).
Juniper Ridge Fire Bill

Kamloops council approves $500,000 in funding to cover Canada Day Juniper Ridge fire costs

Aug 17, 2021 | 5:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — The cost of the Juniper Ridge East Interface Fire on Canada Day has been unveiled.

During Tuesday’s (Aug. 17) meeting, Kamloops council approved to fund nearly $500,000 to cover response costs and future operations.

According to a City document, $92,720 was the bill for response costs. It includes $40,000 for the Voyent Alert! app’s initial setup costs, $2,720 for post-incident trauma support sessions for Juniper Ridge and Valleyview residents, and $50,000 for construction on the Juniper West emergency access route from Coldwater Drive to High Canada Place.

Additionally, $400,000 was asked for the Juniper East emergency access route proposal.

The only item council didn’t approve was to fund $18,500 for future licensing costs for the Voyent Alert! app and annual maintenance on the Juniper West emergency access route. Mayor Ken Christian said in council chambers that his impression was council wanted to hear more about the arrangement and capacity of Voyent Alert! and if a five-year term would be the only option available.

Kamloops’ CAO David Trawin said he’ll report back to council about Voyent Alert! at the next meeting.