By Kamloops This Week
Whitecroft residents will have fire protection in the new year thanks to what a regional director called a “good deal” from neighbouring Sun Peaks Resort Municipality.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District said it will establish a fire-protection area following approval by residents through a succession petition.
Sixty-eight per cent of property owners signed a legal petition to establish the service.
They represented about 70 per cent of assessed value.
In 2011, residents of both Heffley Lake and Whitecroft turned down fire service based on cost.
TNRD Area L director John Sternig said Sun Peaks made an offer Whitecroft couldn’t refuse.
He estimated the engine from Sun Peaks is only six minutes away on a downhill ride — not including time to muster volunteers.
“I just think it’s a good offer,” Sternig said.
“You’re getting a trained fire service. You don’t have to set up and train people. It’s also being done at the cost of operations.”
The regional director speculated an older engine from Sun Peaks may eventually be located in the community, which has its own fire hydrants.
He estimated fire protection will cost the typical household about $200 a year — a cost that will be at least recouped by lower house-insurance premiums.