City to examine longterm KFD plan

Among the recommendations in a report prepared by Fire Chief Randy Carlisle is the construction of a training facility as part of the new North Glenmore Station project. The facility would generate revenue for the city and draw others from around the reckon for Kelowna. The facility also would eliminate the overtime costs associated with sending staff out of town for training.

The report also recommends that the Kelowna Fire Department adopt the Standard of Response Cover report, which establishes that the department will set a goal of a four-minute travel-time response for the first engine to the scene within the urban area. Outside the urban area, the goal of the first engine on the scene would be eight to 10 minutes.

Also in the report are recommendation to construct a fire station in the KLO / Gordon Drive area; a review of the dispatch operation to improve efficiency; continue a three-year capital funding program in 2013 ad 2014 to complete improvements in technology; replace old ladder trucks; and conduct a recruitment process in the McKinley Landing area.

The report places a .64 per cent annual tax increase for the first five years of the plan, subject to the construction time line of the North Glenmore Station. 

John Sleeper