TNRD postpones referendum on Cherry Creek fire service; merger with Tobiano required

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) postponed a referendum for fire protection service in Cherry Creek due to amendments that it says need to be made.

In a news release issued Wednesday (Aug. 24) morning, the TNRD says it was informed by the B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs that the hitch was due to having separate fire protection areas – Cherry Creek and Tobiano – fund a single department. The ministry recommended a bylaw amendment that would create a larger fire protection service area to cover both Cherry Creek and Tobiano.

“Unfortunately, this will delay the referendum process,” Jamie Vieira, TNRD deputy general manager of operations says. “Staff will need to bring forward a new recommendation and new bylaws to the Board of Directors and acquire approval from the Inspector of Municipalities.”

The TNRD says 63 per cent of respondents in Cherry Creek showed support for adding fire protection service to the area. Staff prepared two draft bylaws on establishing fire protection services for Cherry Creek and authorizing a loan to cover Cherry Creek’s portion of constructing a new fire hall. The referendum was originally set for Oct. 15, 2022.