Carmi residents discuss fire protection services with City of Penticton

PENTICTON – Residents of Upper Carmi expressed interest in fire protection services provided through the Penticton Fire Department at a recent meeting hosted by Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen director Tom Siddon.

Regional district manager of legislative services Christy Malden reported the 80 Carmi residents present at the Nov. 30, 2016 meeting favoured further investigation into the costs associated with a fire protection agreement with the City of Penticton.

Penticton Fire Department chief Larry Watkinson was also on hand to discuss the proposal, which he said might possibly utilize a group of volunteer residents for assistance.

If an agreement can be reached, fire insurance costs could be reduced considerably for residents in the area.

Malden reported other items discussed included exploring options for high speed internet in the area. Services could be sourced directly from providers, or through a regional district service under which infrastructure or set up costs could be requisitioned.

Some Carmi residents also expressed concerns about noise and storage of derelict vehicles at Penticton Speedway. Siddon made plans to meet with residents and racetrack owners to discuss the concerns.

Residents were also upset with the new curbside garbage collection process, expressing a desire to return to a transfer station style of pickup after expressing concerns about safety and wildlife interaction from garbage placed on the street. Staff agreed to address the issue.

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