Tiber Bay Residents Being Asked If They Want To Be Included In Cortes Fire Protection Area

Roy L Hales/ Cortes Currents - The 32 properties in Tiber Bay are one step closer to being included in the South Cortes Island fire protection area. They are currently outside the boundary and, consequently, the Cortes Fire department cannot immediately respond to fires in that area. It needs direction from the BC Wildfire Service. Tiber Bay residents will soon be receiving a petition in which they can state their preferences. Cortes Island Director Mark Vonesch read out the motion at the December 11 SRD Board Meeting,  “That a petition be prepared and distributed to affected property owners to determine if they support the extension initiative, and then a further report be prepared for the Board's consideration at the conclusion of the petition process.” The only resistance came from two Campbell River Directors who had questions about process. Campbell River Director Susan Sinnott asked, “ With the petition being distributed during the mail strike, how are we doing this?” Shaun Koopman, the SRD’s Protective Service’s Coordinator, responded  “We're going to work with the Cortez Island Fire Department who will, we'll also work with the resident to make sure that everyone's envelope ends up in their hands.” Director Sinnott:  “So I'm assuming that there is a procedure under a petition that we can do this?” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) David Leitch explained, “There's a petition process in generally. If you have a small amount of people in an area, you'll do a petition. If there's 10, 20, or 40 50 of them, whatever petition is totally acceptable. So this is a small group and a small area, and you can deliver the petitions to them.” Campbell River Director Doug Chapman objected to this,  “The only comment I have is that I wouldn't send the volunteer fire department into the new area at the risk of appearing to be pressuring people to sign. I think it should be people in the current area seeking signatures from those who are already in the area.” CAO Leitch: “ I think what we'll end up doing is they'll be delivering them to their door. There's no solicitation here.” Director Vonesch: “This extension is a request of this community already. So it is a bit of a formality to go through this, the residents have signed on for this.” Director Chapman: “So, what you're saying is that every single resident who's going to be included has already said they're in favor. Is that my understanding of what you're saying?” Director Vonesch: “I believe that's what happened here.” Director Chapman: “I know you believe that, but is it a fact.” CAO Leitch: “After the petition process, we'll find out.” Director Vonesch: I guess we will. Let's see what happens here Doug.” Director Chapman voted against the motion being given a second reading, but the decision to send out a petition was unanimous when Vice Chair Matthew Jack called the final vote