CSRD looking to borrow $8M for Shuswap fire halls

“Taxpayers who are outside this service area will not pay anything toward these proposed infrastructure projects.”

According to the CSRD, the rebuild for the Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Fire Hall is already underway and the regional district is looking to get $2.6 million in long-term borrowing to complete the project.

“Earlier this year, the CSRD Board approved short-term borrowing to allow for construction to get underway. By moving this debt to long-term borrowing, the fire hall costs will be spread out over a longer period, reducing the annual repayment cost to taxpayers,” said the CSRD.

“The rebuilt fire hall is estimated to cost $5.6 million, more than double the $2.3 million insurance paid out in replacement costs for the former building.”

Forms for the Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Fire Hall AAP must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31.

Meantime, the CSRD is also looking for a $5.4-million long-term loan for a new Anglemont Fire Hall, which officials said should be replaced due to issues with the current site.

“The Anglemont Fire Hall Alternative Approval Process is asking whether voters approve of the CSRD using long-term borrowing $5.4 million for the construction of a new fire hall. A 2021 assessment of the Anglemont Fire Hall revealed significant concerns with the current hall, including addressing the firehall’s location, which is a steep, operationally challenging site,” said the CSRD.

“A site for the Anglemont Fire Hall has already been purchased on Squilax-Anglemont Road. To save money, the building design is based on the plans for the Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Fire Hall.”

Submissions against the Anglemont Fire Hall borrowing proposal are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7

The AAPs will pass if at least 272 opposition forms are submitted by the deadlines and the regional district will have to consider other options for funding.

“If more than 10 per cent of the eligible electors submit forms in opposition, the CSRD board would have to decide to go to an assent vote (referendum) within 80 days, or the board can put the matter on hold and consider alternatives,” said the CSRD.

“The timing would allow for a potential referendum to be held as part of the General Local Elections scheduled for October 17, 2026.”

Opposition forms will not be accepted until the AAP processes open on Monday, June 29.

You can find more information and the opposition forms here.

by Elora McCormack

CSRD looking to borrow $8M for Shuswap fire halls

Our Community