Whereas local government fire departments in communities that have a major highways passing through them respond to highway incidents; And whereas the cost of attending these highway incidents is borne solely by the taxpayers within the taxing jurisdiction: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to develop a program with ICBC to reimburse fire departments that respond to highway incidents which involve nonresidentsnon-property owners from within the fire departments taxing jurisdiction.
Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Emergency Management BC EMBC has prioritized working towards finding solutions for road rescue governance and funding. EMBC staff have reviewed the current road rescue governance and funding model in British Columbia and are undertaking a cross-jurisdictional review of road rescue to be completed by early 2023. This work will guide the Province in discussions with road rescue partners including governance, funding models, and supporting policies. Work to date has included consultation with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the Fire Chiefs Association of BC, as well as a survey of all road rescue service providers in British Columbia. ICBC does not collect premiums, either through Basic or Optional insurance, to cover charges for highway rescue. Fire department services are currently funded through various forms of taxations, paid by residents of BC.