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.
