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RDCK director wants new fire service for Erickson

Mayor Ron Toyota and RDCK directors began discussion about a plan to negotiate a new five-year fire protection agreement...
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Creston Town Hall is located on 10th Avenue North.

Creston Mayor Ron Toyota was clearly caught by surprise on Monday when he and the Regional District of Central Kootenay area A, B and C directors began discussion about a plan to negotiate a new five-year fire protection agreement between Creston and Erickson residents.

“I still plan to take fire protection to a referendum,” Area B director John Kettle said, reiterating his previous statements that he wants to extend fire protection to Lakeview, Arrow Creek and Kitchener residents by establishing a regional district fire department in Erickson.

For many years, Erickson residents have received fire protection from Creston Fire and Rescue on a contract with the Town of Creston. Lakeview, Arrow Creek and Kitchener are without fire protection.

“But I thought this was for a five-year agreement,” said Toyota, referring to the resolution brought to Monday’s Creston Valley services committee meeting at the Creston and District Community Complex.

“It is, but it has a one-year opt out clause that will be invoked if the referendum passes,” Kettle said.