Overview
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.
Project updates will be shared on this page.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 (Q3/Q4, 2025) - COMPLETE
- SLRD Board engagement
- In-community presentations with fire protection service associations
Phase 2 (Q1 – 2026)
- SLRD Board engagement, recommendations and confirmation of process
Phase 3 (Q2 – 2026)
- Draft policies and bylaw amendments
- Develop model agreements
- Develop governance tools
Phase 4 (Q4, Q2 – Q3 2026)
- Implementation plan and support
- Presentation of implementatoin summary report