Vavenby Fire Department sign/via TNRD

Dozens of property owners in the North Thompson community of Birch Island will be asked to decide whether they want to pay for local fire protection in mid-September.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District is moving forward with a referendum on September 14th to officially ask 131 property owners in Birch Island if they want to be absorbed into the neighboring Vavenby Fire Department coverage.

TNRD Operations Manager Jamie Vieira says if Birch Islanders vote “yes,” they will be getting Vavenby fire coverage, as well as their own fire infrastructure.

“If the referendum is successful then the plan would be to have a fire truck stationed there within the community. It would still be part of the Vavenby Fire Department,” noted Vieira.  “We also think this would benefit both Vavenby and Birch Island, because we wouldn’t have — if you will — all your eggs in one basket where you have a fire truck in a different location within the service area is a benefit to everyone.”

Vieira says a “yes” decision will come with a cost.

“In 2024, the Vavenby property owners paid $1.07 per a thousand dollars of assessed value. That’s what we’ve brought forward to Birch Island,” noted Vieira.

If Birch Island does agree to the local fire protection, service would begin January 1st.