Pemberton's mayor and council adopted a loan authorization bylaw for a new fire truck at a council meeting on Tuesday, April 9 following a successful alternative approval process (AAP).
The AAP was necessary as the bylaw would authorize the Village to borrow funds over a period longer than five years—requiring approval of voters. The estimated cost of the new truck is $853,754.
The AAP process was initiated Feb. 13. Public notice was advertised twice in Pique, as well as on the public noticeboard at the post office, with forms available at the Village office and by email.
No elector responses were received before the deadline of 4 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Council previously estimated the number of eligible electors to be 2,940 and approved the elector response form proposed by staff. Receipt of elector response forms from more than 10 per cent of eligible electors would have nixed the bylaw.
With the successful AAP, elector approval was obtained for borrowing up to $853,754 for a period not to exceed 20 years.
Now, a one-month quashing period must take place, according to the Local Government Act, during which court challenge to the bylaw may be made. The period will conclude on May 9.
Then, the Village must adopt a municipal security issuing resolution and forward the resolution and other loan authorization documentation to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD). The resolution is the trigger for the SLRD to include the Village in a security issuing bylaw and is a key part of the legal documentation required for financing through the Municipal Finance Authority.
Pemberton Fire Rescue Chief Cameron Adams stressed that a new a triple combination pumper truck is desperately needed during the committee of the whole budgeting session on Tuesday, Feb. 13.
“The equipment is getting to 30 years old. We are definitely seeing that it is aging. To be able to replace that with something that is a lot more reliable so we can continue our service standards is needed,” he said.
“A 30-year vehicle looks like half of it is falling behind us as we drive. We have done very well in keeping our apparatus in good service for as long as it is. The recommendation is 20 years old, but we have been able to extend that life another 10 years.”
