Counterpetition process on new Castlegar fire truck begins Aug. 31

Anyone who objects to the City of Castlegar borrowing money to buy a new pumper truck for the fire department will have between Aug. 31 and Oct. 2 to make it known.

City council last week agreed to use a counterpetition process for the $1.64-million expenditure, which council previously endorsed.

The new truck will replace a 2004 Spartan engine that will turn 20 in August 2024. Fire equipment replacement cycles are largely dictated by the Fire Underwriters Survey. Using older equipment would result in increased insurance premiums for all properties.

Chief financial officer Ola Oladele explained that while it is unusual, the city needs voter approval in this case because the purchase will push the city beyond its five per cent borrowing capacity.

If 10 per cent of registered electors, which is 632 people, sign forms objecting to the expenditure, the city would be forced to hold a referendum at a cost of about $30,000. Those who support the purchase don’t need to do anything.

Oladele said it’s possible the price could go up again between now and October but it wouldn’t require going back to taxpayers a second time for approval.

“The key here is to advertise why we need a new fire truck,” councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff said. “No one wants to pay increased fire insurance costs.”

The loan would be repaid within 20 years.

Continue Reading

cjat Now playing play

ckqr Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Trail RCMP hoping to identify suspect allegedly involved in racist incident 

Trail RCMP are hoping to identify a man who allegedly yelled racial slurs at staff at a restaurant in the 700 block of Victoria Street on Saturday. 

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued in East and West Kootenay

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for both the East and West Kootenay. 

City of Trail to determine future of La Nina shelter

Trail City Council is set to determine the fate of the La Nina homeless shelter on Riverside Avenue next week. 

REN Energy commits to Fruitvale

REN Energy boss clears the air with Fruitvale's Renewable Natural Gas facility project concerns.

Trail’s Night Market returns for an evening of award-winning folk, fiddle and more

Trail’s Farmers Market will return July 17 for an entertaining evening of food vendors, market, beer & wine garden, and live music.
- Advertisement -