150 Mile Referendum

The Cariboo Regional District is required by provincial legislation to hold a referendum (assent vote) whenever it proposes to borrow money over a long-term period (more than 5 years). In this case, the CRD is asking eligible voters in the 150 Mile Fire Protection Service Area to approve:

There are two referendum questions on the ballot for the 150 Mile Fire Protection Service Area:

1. Whether the CRD may borrow funds to build a new fire hall

2. Whether the CRD may borrow funds for a new fire truck using a 10-year repayment term (instead of the standard 5 years)

These types of capital projects must be approved by the public before borrowing can proceed. A referendum gives eligible voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they support the borrowing required for these infrastructure investments.

Why is the fire hall being replaced?
The existing fire hall, built by volunteers, has exceeded its lifespan. It has poor air quality, structural concerns, and does not meet current fire or building codes.

Why not just repair the existing building?
Repairs would still require relocating fire operations, create unknown risks, and leave the building non-compliant with safety standards. A full replacement is more cost-effective and dependable.

What are the benefits of a new fire hall?

• Safer, healthier conditions for volunteer firefighters

• Modernizes infrastructure to meet current and future service demands

• Construction can occur without interrupting fire service

Will the new fire hall include a community hall?
No. Fire halls are no longer built for mixed community use due to safety, insurance, and operational limitations. Nearby facilities like the Miocene Hall continue to serve as community spaces.

How much would this cost me?
If the fire hall referendum is approved, a parcel tax of approximately $217 per year for 25 years would apply to properties in the service area. Over $1 million in grants has already been secured to reduce the amount borrowed.

Why isn’t this covered by existing taxes?
Day-to-day fire department operations are funded by current taxes. Major infrastructure projects like this require borrowing, and provincial legislation requires voter approval for long-term borrowing.

Is the cost estimate reliable?
Yes. It is based on professional construction estimates and includes contingencies to address risks and inflation. Final costs will depend on detailed design and tendering.

The CRD is also asking for approval to borrow funds for a new fire truck over 10 years instead of 5. This helps spread out costs and reduces financial pressure.

Will this increase property taxes?
No. Approving the 10-year borrowing term will not increase the existing property tax. It simply allows the same cost to be repaid over a longer period, providing more financial flexibility without adding any new taxes.

What if this referendum ends in a no vote?

If a majority of votes cast are against the ten-year borrowing option, the regional district would instead need to borrow the same amount of funding over a shorter five year term. This is because the fire department would not be rated with the Fire Underwriters’ Survey, and property owners may not qualify for a discount on home insurance for being in a fire protection area.

While a five year borrowing term does not require voter approval, the ten-year borrowing proposal would offset annual taxation implications for residents.

Who is eligible to vote in this referendum?

Eligible voters are residents and property owners within the 150 Mile House Fire Protection Service Area.

However, not all properties that receive fire protection service are eligible to vote. Some areas outside the formal service boundary receive fire protection through separate agreements or fee-based arrangements. These areas are not included in the referendum and do not qualify for voting.

Eligible Voters - Residents 

Each resident elector is able to cast a vote in the referendum.

A resident elector is a person who is:

• a Canadian citizen;
• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
• a resident of British Columbia for at least six months prior to general voting day;
• a resident of the 150 Mile Fire Protection Service area; and
• not disqualified by law from voting in a local election.

Voters will register to vote on the same day they cast their ballot. You will be asked to produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature), which should prove both residency and identity.

There are no restrictions on how many resident electors living at the same property can cast a vote. Every resident meeting voting qualifications is entitled to vote.

Eligible Voters - Non-Resident Property Owners 

If you do not live in the 150 Mile Fire Protection Service Area, and own property inside the service area, you are able to vote as a non-resident property elector. A non-resident property elector is a person who is:

• a Canadian Citizen;
• 18 years of age or older on general voting day;
• a resident of British Columbia for at least six months prior to general voting day;
• an owner of property in the 150 Mile Fire Protection Service Area for at least 30 days prior to general voting day; and
• not disqualified by law from voting in an election.

Only one non-resident elector may vote for a property, no matter how many people own the property. If there are multiple property owners, the person voting on behalf of the owners must be authorized by at least a majority of the owners to vote.

There is no need to pre-register to vote, as each voter will register on the same day they cast their ballot. You will be asked to produce two pieces of identification (at least one with a signature), which should prove your identity.

Additionally, you will be asked to provide proof of property ownership and, if there are multiple owners, the written consent of a majority of owners to register as a non-resident property elector.

To confirm your eligibility, use the interactive map on the CRD website or contact the Chief or Deputy Chief Election Officer.

How and when do I vote?

• General voting day: November 8, 2025 at the 150 Mile Elementary School

• Advance voting: October 29, 2025 at the Cariboo Regional District Office, Williams Lake

• Mail-in ballots: Now Closed