Electors Approve Borrowing for Emergency Call System Upgrade

A July 2 deadline for voters to express opposition to the borrowing measure came with only 63 response forms returned to the Regional District. Under a provincially established alternative approval process, at least 10 percent (6,884) of eligible voters were required to deliver response forms opposing the borrowing in order to send the decision to a regional referendum.

The Regional Board will consider adoption of the 9-1-1 Emergency Service Loan Authorization bylaw at its July 18 regular meeting.

The upgraded emergency call system will provide for consistent equipment and service at each of the 20 fire departments within the region by using a cost-effective zoned approach that allows for system-wide delivery of information while maintaining an effective local tactical channel.

A decision to upgrade the infrastructure followed extensive research involving emergency services consultants and review by RDOS management and the Regional Board.

For further information about the alternative approval process, please contact Christy Malden, Deputy Corporate Officer, at (250) 490-4146 or cmalden@rdos.bc.ca. For further information about upgrades to the emergency call system, please contact Dale Kronebusch, Emergency Services Supervisor, at (250) 490-4139 or dkronebusch@rdos.bc.ca.