Editor:
Here are several reasons I actively opposed the North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department Referendum.
The CVRD paid for a study by a competent consulting firm and ignored their advice that stated a ‘new proposed building would just barely meet the existing needs of the North Oyster Volunteer Fire department’. And for this, the referendum wanted a commitment of $240 annually for 20 years. You do not plan a building that ‘just barely’ meets current needs and will need more money long before the twenty years are up. This does not represent medium or long-term planning or vision. The North Oyster fire district has six trucks and only three bays proposed. The present fire hall has, with several upgrades, lasted 60 years. The new fire hall, with only three truck bays, will not meet even present needs for the firefighters or the community.
I have confidence that there are more additional alternatives that will succeed in new fire halls being built but it will require co-operation, openness and transparency by both the Fire Department and the CVRD board Area “H” Director and staff.
Keith Wyndlow
Ladysmith