PRRD proposing fire services expansion near Dawson Creek

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District is evaluating the possibility of expanding its Dawson Creek Fire Protection Area.

The PRRD is consulting with residents of Dawson Creek South, Briar Ridge, and Riley’s Crossing on a proposal that would expand fire protection services to 337 more properties.

Residents are encouraged to participate in a virtual town hall session on June 9th to raise questions and comments.

“Residents of those areas have been asking the PRRD and City of Dawson Creek to consider a service expansion for several years,” says Brad Sperling, Board Chair. “This is only a proposal at this point. We know some residents support the idea, but we really need to hear from as many people as possible in this engagement process before the Regional Board can make a decision on the bylaw amendment that this proposal would require.”

If the Regional Board gives consent, the expanded fire service would be paid through a tax on property owners in the three areas of service expansion.

“Expanding services across a larger area is a way to provide increased protection for residents in the new areas, but also to provide more value to residents by sharing costs among a bigger pool of taxpayers.”

According to the PRRD website, there would be an increase to the property tax for residents in the proposed expansion areas of $1.0214 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Service expansions can be finalized with a two-thirds vote, but most regional districts engage in public consultation before voting. Staff will compile the responses from the public engagement process and submit a report to the Regional Board in August.

An information package with a survey was sent to property owners in the proposed expansion areas in May. Residents can also find the package and survey online through the PRRD’s Have Your Say platform.