Welcome! We hope you find our new website helpful and easier to navigate. It's now as easy to use on your smartphone as your desktop. Take a tour and please tell us what you think.

Referendums

What is a Referendum?

For certain matters (long-term borrowing, establishment of new services), regional districts are required to obtain elector approval before the project can proceed. Assent votng, or referendum, allows electors to vote on whether a proposal would move forward or not. Assent of the electors is obtained if a majority of the votes counted are in favour of the bylaw or queston. 

Referendum (Assent Vote) Process

  • Proposed Bylaw: At a CRD Board meeting, the Board gives third reading to the proposed bylaw that requires elector approval by assent voting (referendum). At that time, the Board passes a resolution directing that an assent vote be held.
  • Inspector of Municipalities Approval: If required (for example, borrowing or establishing a new service), the proposed bylaw must receive approval from the Inspector of Municipalities before the referendum can take place.
  • Question and Election Officer Appointment: The ballot question is prepared in clear, neutral language and approved by the Board. The Board also appoints a Chief Election Officer and Deputy Chief Election Officer to conduct the vote.
  • Public Notice: Information about the proposed bylaw and the voting process is shared through public notices in local newspapers, on the CRD website, and at notice boards. Notices include the question, voting dates, voting places, and elector eligibility details.
  • Voting Period: Eligible electors can vote in person at advance and general voting opportunities, and by mail ballot if this option has been authorized.
    Voting must take place at least 80 days after the Board passes third reading of the bylaw.
  • Threshold:The bylaw is approved if a majority of votes counted are in favour of the question.
  • Approval:If the majority votes in favour, the results are certified by the Chief Election Officer, and the bylaw is brought before the CRD Board for adoption at the next regular meeting.
    If the majority votes against, the bylaw cannot be adopted unless a new assent process is held in the future.

 

Resident and non-resident property owners within the boundaries of the proposed service area can vote, provided they meet the voter qualificatons:

Resident Elector 
  • 18 years of age or older on voting day 
  • Canadian citizen 
  • Resident of BC for at least six months immediately before the day of voting
  • Resident within the boundaries of the proposed service area
Non-Resident Property Elector
  • 18 years of age or older on voting day
  • Canadian citizen
  • Resident of BC for at least six months immediately before the day of voting 
  • Registered owner of real property within the boundaries of the proposed service area for at least 30 days immediately before the day of voting 

All residents living at a property within the proposed service area can vote as long as they meet the voter qualification requirements.  

150 Mile House Firehall and Fire Engine Referendums

On November 8, 2025, eligible voters in the 150 Mile House Fire Protection Service Area voted on two important referendum questions. The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) sought approval to borrow funds for the construction of a new firehall and to borrow funds for a new fire truck using a 10-year repayment term instead of the standard 5 years.

Voters in the 150 Mile House Fire Protection Service Area have approved both referendum questions—supporting borrowing for the construction of a new fire hall and the purchase of a new fire engine.

Voting Results Summary:

Fire Hall Construction Borrowing 

 Total Voters: (222)
Combined Result
 Yes: 181/ No: 41

Fire Engine Borrowing 
 Total Voters: 222
Combined Result
 Yes: 204/ No: 18

The Cariboo Regional District will move forward with construction of a modern replacement firehall on the same site, ensuring there is no interruption to fire protection services. Approximately $1.5 million in grant funding has been secured, and the remaining costs will be funded through a parcel tax of about $217 per year for 25 years, applied to properties within the fire protection service area.

The approved 10-year borrowing term for the new fire engine provides greater financial flexibility while maintaining stable tax rates. This approach supports long-term planning and ensures the continued delivery of reliable emergency services for the community.

Next steps include detailed design work, project tendering, and scheduling to support construction and equipment replacement in the coming months. Updates will be shared as the project progresses.

Contact Us

Communications
Suite D, 180 North Third Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2A4
Phone: 250-392-3351
Fax: 250-392-2812
Toll-Free: 1-800-665-1636
E-Mail this contact
Website
Map this location