Referendum planned for proposed Tobiano fire hall; public meetings set for next Tuesday

KAMLOOPS — A referendum slated to take place this fall could determine the fate of fire protection services in Tobiano. 

The resort community west of Kamloops has fire protection services, but it remains without a dedicated fire hall. In a news release issued Tuesday (June 16), the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) says a purpose-built fire hall is needed to continue those services in Tobiano. 

The regional district needs public assent to borrow the necessary funding to build a new fire hall. The TNRD has an agreement in principle with Diverse Properties in which the real estate developer will donate a parcel of land at the corner of Colebrook Road to accommodate the station. 

“It is crucial for the Tobiano Fire Department to have a permanent facility to use as a fire hall with proper room for turnout gear, fire trucks, fire apparatus, changerooms, washrooms and other relevant spaces of a rural fire hall,” the TNRD states. “If a purpose-built fire hall cannot be established in the community due to a failed public assent process and no other feasible options are determined, the TNRD may be faced with no other option but to end fire service in the community.”