PRRD applies for $5.75m grant to replace ‘aged out’ fire equipment

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is applying for a grant of $5.75 million for new equipment support for the Charlie Lake and Moberly Lake Fire Departments. 

In the June 19th regional board meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the board of directors approved an application to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund for a grant of up to $5.75 million.

The funds would go towards two new fire apparatus (fire trucks), a water tender (water tanker), a wildland truck and a used mini pumper (a fire pickup truck) and a command vehicle. 

One of the replacement fire trucks, the water tender and heavy wildland truck are for Charlie Lake, and the other fire truck, the command vehicle and the used fire pickup truck are for Moberly Lake. 

The equipment is in replacement for “aged out” apparatus and vehicles, and if approved, the grant would cover up to 100 per cent of the costs. 

The union fund covers projects up to a maximum of $7 million. Staff also confirmed the costs of new equipment had been confirmed prior to the application, and any unused funds would be returned to UBCM.

A timeline on UBCM’s decision on the grant or the receipt of any funding was not included in the PRRD’s report.