The County of Wetaskiwin renewed fire protection agreements with certain Pigeon Lake summer villages during the regular council meeting Feb. 11.
The agenda item was presented to council by Director of Emergency services Mike Zajac.
“The County of Wetaskiwin has Fire Protection Agreements with the Summer Villages of Sundance Beach, Silver Beach, Itaska Beach, Golden Days, Argentia Beach, Crystal Springs, MaMe-O Beach, Poplar Bay, Norris Beach and Grandview,” stated Zajac in his memo.
“The agreements have been duly signed by the respective Council and Administrator for the Summer Villages of Sundance Beach, Silver Beach, Itaska Beach, Golden Days, Argentia Beach, Crystal Springs, Ma-Me-O Beach, Poplar Bay, Norris Beach and Grandview.
“The agreement shall be in effect for a period of sixty months (60), commencing on the first day of January, 2019 and continuing until December 31, 2023. This is continuing on from the previous agreement that was in effect from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018.
“For each registered parcel of land in the Summer Village including reserve/park land up to a maximum of 5 acres per parcel, a fee of $57.47 which shall be established from the 2019 year (January to December). The fire protection fee will be subject to an annual minimum increase of 2% (changed from the previous 3%) or the Alberta CPI for the period August 1 to July 31 each year, whichever is higher.”
Zajac told councilors the summer villages have no means to fight fires on their own. The summer villages pay retainers to have the South Pigeon Lake and Mulhurst fire stations protect them.
Councilor Josh bishop asked if the rates supplied actually reflect the cost to the county of providing this service.
Zajac noted the figure of $400 per hour, which covers everything. CAO Rod Hawken pointed out a retainer per lot was also being charged.
Councilors voted unanimously to approve the above firefighting agreements.