The West Kelowna fire department has presented a new strategic plan to city council, outlining the necessary steps to prepare for community the addition of high-rises.
Fire Chief Jason Brolund detailed the “made in West Kelowna plan,” developed by his team to address the challenges posed by mid-rise (four to six stories) and high-rise (over six stories) buildings.
Right now, the city’s long term planning documents allow for buildings of nine to 12 floors to be built in Westbank Centre.
But developers are unable to secure funding for projects over 6-stories because the West Kelowna fire brigade does not have the right equipment and man power to fight fires in these buildings.
“It’s a non-starter,” said Coun. Rick De Jong said. “They can’t get financing to even put a shovel in the ground to start until they know we can defend the whole structure.”
The cost to ready for this – nearly $2 million, mainly to fund 10 new members. Additional money is needed for specialized training and equipment.
“The plan represents a compromise,” Chief Brolund stated during his presentation to lawmakers. “It is not a Cadillac plan. It is really the bare minimum that I believe is required.”
Brolund said many cities face the same challenge, unable to attract high-rise development until their departments are equipped to handle fires in those larger structures.
The chief’s recommendations to council included directing staff to work with the Westbank First Nation (WFN) on a revised service agreement to ensure equitable cost-sharing for major incidents.
Mayor Gord Milsom praised the chief and his team for their work, noting its importance for the development industry.
“Having this plan is a very important step for our development industry as far as their ability to come forward with applications for high-rise buildings,” he said.
Lawmakers expressed broad support for the plan and for updating the service agreement with WFN. However, concerns were raised about the financial implications of hiring more staff.
de Jong voiced his struggle with the request for more full-time employees, highlighting the significant budget increase required for next year.
