Concerns with provincial downloading around wildfire response were sparked at the Jan. 16 Columbia Shuswap Regional District board meeting. 

At the meeting, directors shared concerns raised in a Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) letter to BC Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar regarding the Cooperative Community Wildfire Response (CCWR) program.

In the letter, RDKB chair Andy Morel conveyed concerns regarding recent changes to the program which he said are in stark contrast to how the program was initially envisioned. 

91裸聊视频淭he changes represent a substantial shift of provincial responsibilities onto local governments,91裸聊视频� he wrote, noting that to undertake the work outlined in the provincial program guide, it will take considerable staff time to ensure the CCWR groups are managed as effectively and proficiently as the province requires. 91裸聊视频淕roups that rely on well-meaning resident volunteers to perform a service require higher levels of administrative oversight to ensure regulatory compliance and to manage liability risk.91裸聊视频�

Morel said the RDKB does not have the capacity to take on the CCWR program with the level of oversight required by the B.C. government. As well, he said this is in stark contrast to the current regional district model.

In October, a provincial email noted the CCRP is meant only 91裸聊视频渢o provide support activities such as: expediting resources like personnel, equipment, and supplies; mopping-up such as cooling ash pits and patrolling areas to prevent potential flare-ups."

91裸聊视频淲hen our staff inquired about consultation, the BCWS admitted that the majority of consultation was with select elected officials and that very few emergency management practitioners were consulted regarding the CCWR program,91裸聊视频� Morel wrote, noting the program does not align with FireSmart principles. 91裸聊视频淲hen communications did come to regional districts, they were originally sent solely to FireSmart staff, again leaving out emergency management staff that will play a critical role in the delivery of a CCWR program if a regional district is to accept the work.91裸聊视频� 

Responding to a question around downloading, chief administrative officer John MacLean said the CSRD shares the concerns expressed in the letter.

91裸聊视频淲e are absolutely concerned at the level of download from the province on this particular program,91裸聊视频� he said, noting staff plan to bring the issue to the board in February,91裸聊视频� he said, pointing out CSRD  is working with other regional districts in response. 91裸聊视频淚t is very onerous on the regional district in areas where we do not have service responsibilities.91裸聊视频�

Area E director Rhona Martin said municipalities in the regional district should be adding their voices in communicating concerns around the downloading, particularly in view of the California wildfires.

91裸聊视频淲hile people are having news of fires in the winter time, maybe we91裸聊视频檒l get public support to help us move forward in a positive way.91裸聊视频�