REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: December 05, 2017 Report No. FIRE-17-004
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Chris Jancowski, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
Title
Fire Protection and Control Bylaw Update
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council gives first, second, and third reading to the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783, Amendment Bylaw [No. 1], 2017, No. 2911.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783
British Columbia Fire Code, 2012
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
Operational Strategy - Review Township policies and bylaws to ensure efficient processes; amend and update as necessary.
BACKGROUND:
The Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783 was adopted in January of 2012. Since then, the operations and structure of the Fire Department have changed. The Department has seen an increase in calls of service for medical aid emergencies. The Department has also increased our training in limited areas of technical rescue and medical skills. In addition to our emergency responses, the Department has not seen a request for a Foreshore Fire Permit for nearly three years. Permits for these fires are extremely difficult to obtain due to spatial requirements. The noted changes above have led to the proposed addition of several sections and the removal of one section that will ensure operational needs are supported with the appropriate authorities.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The amended Fire Protection and Control Bylaw will be updated and improved in several ways:
The amended Bylaw will:
- provide for a mechanism to match the Department’s current resource allocation plans with on duty staffing and apparatus resources.
- ensure that members can provide additional medical and rescue skills for which they have been trained. In addition, it will provide direction that Department members are not expected to provide services for which they have not been trained.
- provide an ability for Police Officers or members to restrict people(s) from entering buildings affected by an emergency or restricted areas near an emergency event.
- remove permit options for having fires on the foreshore as they cause significant issues and smoke effects to nearby neighbours. The department has not seen a request for this type of permit for several years.
- Homeowners who install oil tanks as part of a heating system face increased risk of leaks when attempting to use older equipment. This amendment will prevent the use of used oil tanks. The process of re-using older tanks may be further regulated by homeowner insurance policies to limit insurance liabilities.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no significant organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
There are no significant financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no significant sustainability or environmental implications. It should be noted that a potential positive environmental impact exists by preventing the use of used oil tanks.
5. Communication & Engagement
The amended Bylaw will be posted on the Township website once adopted.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council gives first, second, and third reading to the Fire Protection and Control Bylaw, 2011, No. 2783, Amendment Bylaw [No.1], 2017, No. 2911.
2. That Council directs any amendments it considers appropriate to Bylaw No. 2911 prior to giving it first, second and third readings as amended.
3. That Council refers Bylaw No. 2911 back to staff for further revision.