“This past year brought both expected progress and unforeseen challenges. One significant event was the Chilcotin River Landslide, an unexpected disaster that required a swift pivot in our response efforts. Despite managing wildfire evacuations at the same time, our Emergency Operations Centre adapted effectively, demonstrating the strength of interagency relationships that we have built over many years. We continue to monitor developments, work with regional and provincial partners, and provide timely updates to the community.
In 2024, we also saw important advancements in fire protection services. Voters approved a referendum for the Red Bluff Firehall, enabling us to move forward with designing and constructing a new facility to serve Red Bluff, Quesnel, and the surrounding areas. This project represents a significant investment of $3.25 million. Additionally, the Forest Grove and Barlow Creek Volunteer Fire Departments will each receive a new fire tender to replace aging vehicles, while Interlakes continues to procure the second of three water tenders approved last year. These upgrades are critical to maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of our volunteer fire departments.
We also launched a new FireSmart program this year, focusing on wildfire education and community engagement. Several town halls and events raised awareness of wildfire risk reduction, generating significant interest from residents. We are committed to expanding this program in 2025 to include more planning and assessments, pending funding approval. Initiatives like the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plans and a property assessment program will identify regional risks and opportunities for mitigation.
Looking ahead, the CRD is preparing to address several priorities in 2025. Bylaw enforcement capacity will be increased with the addition of a second officer, doubling our ability to manage issues such as un-permitted construction and zoning violations. This improvement will help us respond more effectively to community concerns.
We are also prioritizing asset management to ensure sustainable investments in critical infrastructure. With 16 utility systems, 18 fire halls, and numerous other facilities in varying conditions, it is essential to plan for maintenance, repairs, and replacements. To this end, we have applied for funding from the Union of BC Municipalities to develop an Asset Management Strategy. This will help us identify gaps in planning and information and create a road map for addressing them.
As we move into the new year, I want to thank our residents, staff, and partners for their dedication and collaboration. Together, we will continue building a resilient and sustainable future for the Cariboo Regional District.”
