Fire master plan to evaluate Okanagan Similkameen Regional District’s firehalls

PENTICTON – Concerns about regional district fire departments’ ability to meet new legislation is prompting a $50,000 study.

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s Board of Directors will decide which of the four requests for proposals will be awarded a contract to provide the district with a Fire Master Plan at tomorrow’s regular board meeting, Dec. 15.

In its 2016 business plan, the board identified a need to seek expertise with respect to its seven regional fire departments as to whether they have the ability to meet new standards for competency and training introduced by a new “playbook” recently released by the B.C. Fire Commissioner’s office.

A report to the board noted that a staff review of the new standards has “raised concerns for our ability and capacity to meet the identified standards while maintaining volunteerism and budgets.”

Four submissions ranging in price from $46,970 to $101,624.25 were received by the regional district, with staff recommending Dave Mitchell and Associates Ltd. submission of $52,050.

The lowest bid was rejected because it was felt the Dave Mitchell bid provided “a more thorough delivery of services to meet the desired scope of work.”

The evaluation committee consisted of manager of community services Mark Woods, emergency services supervisor Dale Kronebusch, and Tulameen fire chief Jody Woodford.

Directors may also consider alternate motions that include cancelling the project, revising the terms of reference or increasing the 2017 budget amount for the item.

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