North Westside firefighters have more territory to cover.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan board has agreed to extend the North Westside fire protection boundary to include 190 hectares.
“It’s within the eight kilometre distance from the Shorts Creek fire hall,” said director Jim Edgson of the property which six kilometres south of La Casa on Westside Road.
“We have the equipment to handle it and once the boat house is completed this fall, we will be able to use that equipment (fire boat) too.”
RDCO directors made the decision to extend the boundary after a request was received from the land owner.
The property consists of a home and some ancillary buildings, and Edgson says there are no development plans.
The boundary extension includes a financial arrangement to cover the cost of fire protection.
“He (owner) contributed already ahead of time and will also be taxed at the same rate as everyone else,” said Edgson.
The current annual operation and maintenance costs for the North Westside Fire Department are $80.35 per year for $100,000 of assessed value.
RDCO’s bylaw authorizes a maximum of up to $135 per $100,000 assessment per year.
