The Town of Creston is inviting applications from residents to sit on an ad hoc Community Fire Hall Advisory Committee.
The defeat in December of a referendum to authorize the borrowing of up to $6.1 million for a new fire hall does not mean the need for a new or upgraded facility has gone away, Mayor Ron Toyota said on Monday.
“We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our residents and our firefighters now and for years to come,” he said. “While the recent borrowing referendum to fund a new Fire Hall was not successful, we are still required to provide facilities that meet legislative requirements and health and safety regulations, among other criteria, to safeguard our community now and into the future.”
The advisory committee, consisting of public appointees, elected officials, and technical experts, “will explore short- and long-term options for the provision of a fire hall and associated services that will meet current and future needs of both the community and firefighters,” Toyota said.
He said that the advisory committee of approximately 9 to 11 members will meet once every two weeks over the next six or more months. Members will be chosen based on criteria outlined in the Community Fire Hall Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and will represent varied stakeholder and community interests. Interested individuals or organizations are invited to review the Terms of Reference, and submit the application form by February 2, 2018.
Forms are available online at www.creston.ca or in person at the Town Hall (238 10th Avenue North). If you’d like to receive one by mail, simply call 250-428-2214. Applications will be reviewed, with Council finalizing Advisory Committee membership on February 13, 2018.
During the course of the ad hoc committee’s work, Toyota said, the Town of Creston will continue working with firefighters “address their health and safety concerns, with a key focus on air quality and the need for decontamination facilities that meet industry standards.”
“We’ve heard from our firefighters, and we recognize that any successful solution must address their health and safety as top priorities,” Toyota said. “We’re looking at how to best meet their needs, and those of our community, in an effective and timely manner. The Advisory Committee will play a key role in exploring options for short and long-term solutions.”
For more information on the Community Fire Hall Advisory Committee, please visit our website at www.creston.ca.