Advance polling for a Cariboo Regional District referendum opens tomorrow with the future of Sulphurous Lake fire protection in the balance.
The referendum will decide whether or not the Deka Lake fire service will expand to serve residents of Sulphurous Lake at a cost of roughly 45 dollars per 100,000 dollars of assessment.
Area “L” Director Brian Coakley explains how the increased cost of service may not fully translate to residents, as there may be mitigating factors
“The money that they will be spending – which was a little more than they were spending – will be offset by the fact that their insurance rates will go down. Most insurance rates will be going down more than its costing them to get this enhanced service, so I think that’s a benefit.”
Coakley explains that the fire hall at Sulphurous Lake will be closing regardless of referendum outcome as there just aren’t the numbers to operate it.
“Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough people to man the equipment. It’s hard to get people, and with everyone expecting 24-7 service, the numbers are dwindling. This is a solution that will benefit both neighbourhoods. They aren’t really losing anything, they’re gaining a Community Hall and they’ll still have the service.”
The South Cariboo Rec Centre will host advance polls tomorrow and again on Monday August 24th from 8 am until 8 pm with regular polling to follow on Saturday the 29th.