Forest Grove Firehall Referendum

Before developing the proposal, the Cariboo Regional District commissioned a professional engineering assessment of the existing fire hall. The assessment concluded that while the building requires significant repairs and upgrades, it remains structurally suitable for renovation.

Based on those findings, the CRD commissioned a second report to identify the repairs, upgrades, and expansion needed to meet the operational needs of the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department and extend the life of the facility.

The proposed renovation plan is based on these professional assessments. The reports determined that the existing building can be renovated to meet current and future operational needs at a significantly lower cost than constructing a new fire hall.

The proposed project includes a combination of repairs, upgrades, and improvements to extend the life of the building and improve its functionality. Major work includes structural repairs, upgrades to building systems such as heating, plumbing, and electrical, improvements to the building envelope, accessibility and safety upgrades, and modifications to better support modern firefighting operations.

The final scope of work will be confirmed through the detailed design process.

The estimated project cost was developed using information gathered through the planning process. After a professional engineering assessment confirmed the building was suitable for renovation, the Cariboo Regional District commissioned a second report to identify the repairs, upgrades, and expansion required to meet the operational needs of the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department.

Using these findings, a professional cost estimate was prepared for the project. The estimate includes construction, engineering and design, project management, permits, inspections, contingency, and other costs associated with delivering the project.

As the project progresses through detailed design and procurement, individual costs may change. The estimate represents the best available information at this stage of planning.

The estimated project cost represents the total cost of completing the renovation project—not just the construction work. In addition to building materials and labour, the budget includes engineering and design, project management, permits, inspections, contingency, and other costs required to complete the project.

At this stage, the project is in the planning phase. While the major renovations have been identified, detailed design work and competitive procurement will determine the final scope, sequencing, and pricing of individual project components.

Providing a single itemized list at this stage could be misleading, as costs may change as the project progresses. The project budget is based on professional assessments and cost estimates prepared during the planning process to provide the most accurate overall estimate available.

If the borrowing is approved, the Cariboo Regional District will follow its purchasing and procurement policies when selecting contractors and professional services for the project.

Depending on the type and value of the work, contracts may be awarded through a competitive bidding or request for proposals (RFP) process. These processes are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and value for taxpayers while selecting qualified contractors with the experience and expertise needed to complete the work.

The project has not been awarded to any contractor, and no construction contracts will be issued until the appropriate procurement process has been completed.

No. The proposed project does not include an addition that increases the overall footprint of the building.

References to "expanding" the fire hall in the project materials refer to improving the use of the existing interior space. The renovation plan includes reconfiguring the building's layout to better support the operational needs of the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Department, improve functionality, and make more efficient use of the existing space.

The project focuses on renovating and modernizing the current building rather than constructing a larger facility.

Based on current estimates, the proposed borrowing would increase the existing parcel tax by approximately $112 per year for 10 years. This estimate is based on the current project budget and financing assumptions.

If electors do not approve the borrowing, the proposed renovation project cannot proceed as planned. The Cariboo Regional District would need to consider alternative options to address the building's ongoing repair and operational needs.

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.  

Eligible electors may vote either in person or by mail.

In-person voting

• Advanced Voting Opportunity: July 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• General Voting Day: July 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Location: Forest Grove Community Hall

When voting in person, electors must provide two pieces of identification. At least one piece must show the elector's residential address and at least one piece must include the elector's signature. These requirements may be met by a single piece of identification if it contains both.

Mail ballot voting
Mail ballot packages are available by request beginning June 29, 2026. Completed mail ballots must be received by mail no later than 4:00 p.m. on July 24, 2026, or delivered in person to the voting location before 8:00 p.m. on General Voting Day, July 25, 2026.

Additional information regarding voter eligibility is provided below.

Mail Ballot Voting

If you are unable to vote in person, you may be eligible to vote by mail.

To request a mail ballot package, please complete the application form below or contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-392-3351 or elections@cariboord.ca.

Mail ballot packages will be sent to eligible voters once their application has been received and processed. Completed mail ballots must be received by the Chief Election Officer before the close of voting to be counted.

Mail-in Ballot Application

Applications to act as a scrutineer will be received by the Chief Election Officer at the office of the:

Cariboo Regional District

Suite D, 180 North Third Avenue

Williams Lake, BC   V2G 2A4

during the period:

9:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026

TO

4:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026

Applications will only be received during regular office days and hours during this period.

Application