SLRD adopts new framework for fire service governance and delivery

Pemberton, BC – The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Board has adopted a new Fire Services Administration Bylaw and Fire Service Policy as part of the ongoing Fire Services Resiliency Project, establishing a clear and consistent framework for the governance, administration and delivery of fire protection services across the region.

The new framework builds on recommendations identified through fire service reviews conducted in 2013 and 2024, which highlighted opportunities to strengthen service delivery models, support rural fire departments and modernize governance structures.

The newly adopted bylaw and policy provide greater clarity around roles, responsibilities, service levels, training expectations, risk management and operational accountability for fire services funded, in part, through service area requisitions. Together, they establish a foundation for more consistent and sustainable fire protection services while recognizing the unique challenges and realities faced by rural and volunteer-based departments.

“This is an important milestone for the Fire Services Resiliency Project and for the communities that rely on volunteer firefighters to protect lives and property,” said presiding Chair, Jenna Stoner. “These governance tools provide the clarity and accountability needed to support fire service operations today while helping ensure their sustainability into the future.”

The Fire Services Resiliency Project was launched in 2025 to address longstanding inconsistencies between SLRD-operated fire departments and independently managed fire service associations and societies operating within the region. Initial work focused on engagement with fire service organizations in Gun Lake, Bralorne, Birken and Pemberton Meadows.

The adopted framework supports the development of service agreements between the SLRD and society-run fire departments and clarifies expectations regarding the fire protection services that may be provided within each community. The framework also helps reduce organizational risk by clearly establishing governance, operational authorities and responsibilities.

The adoption of the bylaw and policy marks a significant step toward implementing the recommendations of the Fire Services Resiliency Project. Work will now continue on finalizing service agreements, training initiatives and other implementation measures designed to strengthen fire service capacity and resilience throughout the region.

The item was presented at the SLRD Board meeting on October 28, 2026.

For more information about the Fire Services Resiliency Project, visit the project page on the SLRD website.  

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About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is found within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), St'át'imc and Líl̓wat. Small parts of the SLRD also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka'pamux, Tsilhqot'in, and Secwepemc Nations. While the SLRD does not provide direct services to the residents of the First Nations communities located within the region, the organization is committed to enhancing relations with the Indigenous communities and First Nations within whose territories the SLRD operates.