The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is undertaking a Fire Service Resiliency Project to address existing gaps in policy and governance, explore future models for delivering fire services and collaborate directly with fire services operated by third-party, not-for-profit organizations to help support resilient, sustainable and compliant operations.
The SLRD seeks to establish a clear, consistent and accountable fire service governance framework that supports safe, effective and sustainable fire protection across diverse communities.
The 2013 and 2024 fire services reviews previously conducted by the SLRD identified opportunities to enhance the fire services across the region, emphasizing the need for clear service delivery frameworks, increased support for rural areas, and improved policy structures. There remains a significant divide between two distinct service models:
fire departments formally established under SLRD oversight (currently the Britannia Beach Volunteer Fire Department and the Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department); and
independently-managed fire protection services, many of which are operated by local societies in rural or remote areas.
The Fire Services Resiliency Project seeks to clarify what constitutes a properly established fire service within the SLRD and to develop governance tools such as updated policies, bylaws and service agreements that reflect the priorities of ratepayers while ensuring safe working environments for volunteers.
With regard to independently-managed fire protection services, initial focus for this project will be on the communities of Gun Lake and Bralorne in Electoral Area A and Birken and Pemberton Meadows in Electoral Area C.
Ultimately, this work will strengthen community trust, enhance fire safety and lay the foundation for consistent service delivery across the SLRD’s geographically and culturally diverse landscape. A key outcome of this work is the practical implementation of updated policies, bylaws and service agreements.
If your question isn't answered below please email info@slrd.bc.ca.
The project aims to address existing gaps in policy and governance, explore future models for delivering fire services and collaborate directly with fire services operated by third-party, not-for-profit organizations to help support resilient, sustainable and compliant operations.
The SLRD seeks to establish a clear, consistent and accountable fire service governance framework that supports safe, effective and sustainable fire protection across diverse communities. The Fire Services Resiliency Project seeks to clarify what constitutes a properly-established fire service within the SLRD and to develop governance tools such as updated policies, bylaws and service agreements that reflect the priorities of ratepayers while ensuring safe working environments for volunteers.
The purpose of the project is to establish a clear, consistent and accountable fire service governance framework that supports safe, effective and sustainable fire protection across diverse communities. The Fire Services Resiliency Project seeks to clarify what constitutes a properly-established fire service within the SLRD and to develop governance tools such as updated policies, bylaws and service agreements that reflect the priorities of ratepayers while ensuring safe working environments for volunteers. Ultimately, this work is intended to strengthen community trust, enhance fire risk mitigation tailored to each area’s unique needs and lay the foundation for consistent service delivery across the SLRD’s geographically and culturally diverse landscape. A key outcome of this work is the practical implementation of updated policies, bylaws and service agreements.
With regard to independently-managed fire protection services, initial focus for this project is on the communities of Bralorne and Gun Lake in Area A and Birken and Pemberton Meadows in Area C, with the goal of supporting their transition to a more cohesive and accountable regional framework. Decisions on the future delivery model will involve engagement with the fire associations and community members in each community.
With regard to independently-managed fire protection services, initial focus for this project is on the communities of Bralorne and Gun Lake in Area A and Birken and Pemberton Meadows in Area C. The SLRD understands that there may be additional groups providing similar services in parts of the SLRD. The outcomes of the Fire Services Resiliency Project will provide the foundation for future considerations with regard to the evolution of the regional framework.
Q: How does this project affect my taxes? Delivery of fire services can have implications for taxation. Within the context of a regional district, only those residents receiving a service pay for the service being provided. Any changes to taxation would be considered with consultation from the community.
A cohesive, regional fire services model improves service delivery and provides greater access to resources and funding. It can also have positive implications for taxpayers through a reduction in insurance costs.
For the initial phase of the project, the SLRD engaged directly with fire associations in the communities of Gun Lake, Bralorne, Birken and Pemberton Meadows.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 (Q3/Q4, 2025)
Completed
SLRD Board engagement. In-community presentations with fire protection service associations.
Phase 2 (Q1 – 2026)
Current
SLRD Board engagement, recommendations and confirmation of process.
Phase 3 (Q2 – 2026)
Not completed
Draft policies and bylaw amendments Develop model agreements Develop governance tools
Phase 4 (Q4, Q2 – Q3 2026)
Not completed
Implementation plan and support. Presentation of implementation summary report.
