Rural Inspection Enforcement of Fire Service Act Regulations

Whereas the provincial government has enacted various building and fire code regulations for public buildings, including the Fire Services Act; And whereas the provincial government has, through the BC Safety Authority, and various other provincial agencies such as the Health Authorities, established regulatory regimes designed to inspect various installations and operations, such as gas, electrical, health, food safety, etc. aimed at protecting the public from potential hazards associated with public facilities, while the Fire Services Act remains without an effective regulatory regime; And whereas the provincial government is considering requiring regional districts to enforce the Fire Services Act and its regulations in the unincorporated areas of the province, including the obligation to provide for a regular system of inspection of hotels and public buildings; And whereas regional districts do not have the capacity to take on an inspection and enforcement role in the rural areas: Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government retain the responsibility to inspect and enforce.