WHEREAS all local governments are legislated to prepare and maintain active emergency plans for their communities; AND WHEREAS communities expect fire departments to play a key role in responding to emergency events; AND WHEREAS fire halls in many communities are aging and many would suffer long term damage in the event of an earthquake; AND WHEREAS fire departments contribute to the safety of all persons and property in the Province of BC; AND WHEREAS there are no designated categories in current provincial or federal infrastructure programs to assist with constructing fire halls or to address seismic upgrades: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of BC and Government of Canada include seismic upgrading and construction of fire halls as eligible for funding in both current and future infrastructure grant programs.
Ministry of Public Safety Solicitor General The Province recognizes the importance of fire halls during times of local emergencies. The importance of having a fire hall available to respond to community needs during a seismic event is important to the well-being of the community it serves. In communities of 15,000 residents or less, the Towns for Tomorrow Grant Program administered by the Ministry of Community Development would consider a fire hall as eligible for relevant projects. More information can be found at http:www.townsfortomorrow.gov.bc.ca. The Province supports the criteria that any upgrade project, including those designed for fire halls, should include energy efficiency and WorkSafeBC compliance as key components of the project.