Release Date: Oct.

12, 2012 Release Number: 12-36

One Referendum for Williams Lake Fringe Fire Protection

Williams Lake Cariboo Regional District (CRD) residents within the current Williams Lake fringe Fire Protection Boundaries will be heading to the polls on Nov. 24, 2012 to determine their future of fire protection service. During a special meeting today, the Cariboo Regional District Board of Directors rescinded resolutions adopted during last weeks Board meeting. Those resolutions authorized the CRD to proceed with two separate referenda for affected Williams Lake Fringe Fire protection residents of Electoral Areas D, E and F. The resolutions were reconsidered in light of a petition received from affected residents in Electoral Area F, with the majority of those who participated indicating they wished to continue receiving service from the City of Williams Lake Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). The original referendum question for the residents within 13 kilometres of the 150 Fire Hall, would have decided if they wished to have fire protection services provided by the 150 Mile House VFD. The new referendum question will ask if affected residents throughout the entire fringe area that currently receive services from the Williams Lake VFD wish to continue to receive fire protection services from the City of Williams Lake VFD for approximately $129/$100,000 (2013 estimate) of residential assessment. If this vote is successful, residents will continue to receive service by the Williams Lake Volunteer Fire Department. If the vote is unsuccessful, effective January 1, 2013, residents will no longer have fire protection services. Further details and information about the referendum will be posted on the CRD website soon or watch the local media for related advertisements and articles. Referendum details are also available by contacting the CRDs Chief Election Officer, or Deputy Chief Election Officer at 250-392-3351 or toll free at 1-800-665-1636.

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