Sparwood updates Highway 3 fire boundary

Sparwood council has advanced changes to its fire services bylaw intended to reduce administrative work, allow controlled use of department equipment and improve cost recovery for emergency responses along Highway 3.

Council unanimously gave first, second and third readings to Fire Services Amendment Bylaw 1375, 2026 during its July 7 meeting.

Director of Fire Services Sheldon Tennant said the amendments update legislation referenced in the bylaw and respond to operational changes that have occurred since the existing fire services bylaw was adopted in 2008.

The changes would replace references to the former Fire Services Act with the Fire Safety Act.

The proposed amendments would also eliminate annual inspection and permit requirements for fire pits while establishing a maximum fire pit diameter of one metre.

Tennant said removing the annual requirements would reduce administrative work while allowing the District to continue addressing non-compliant fire pits through enforcement.

The amendments would also allow controlled use of fire department assets, including reserve apparatus and the fire training centre.

Tennant said allowing outside use could support regional partnerships and provide opportunities for cost recovery while ensuring Sparwood’s operational requirements remain the priority.

The final group of amendments would adjust the fire service boundary along Highway 3.

Approximately 18 kilometres of Highway 3 are currently within the District’s fire service area.

Tennant said highway incidents account for approximately 19 per cent of the department’s call volume and are often more resource intensive than other responses.

He said many highway incidents involve non-residents while the District does not currently have a consistent way to recover its costs.

The proposed boundary adjustment would apply between the south end of Douglas Fir Road and the intersection of Michel Creek Road and Highway 3.

Tennant said the change would support cost recovery through Emergency Management BC and provide greater transparency about highway emergency services.

The changes are expected to shift staff responsibilities rather than require additional employees.

Fire department staff are expected to spend less time administering fire pit permits and inspections but additional time completing Emergency Management BC cost recovery work and managing department assets.

Acting Mayor Amy Cardozo supported the amendments, describing the changes as opportunities to recover costs and reduce administrative demands.

“These are all really big wins,” Cardozo said.

The amendment bylaw will require adoption at a future council meeting before taking effect.