Title
CLOSED SESSION: Fire Cost Recovery Policy - One-Year Update
ATIA Section 29 - Advice from officials
Body
Proposed Motion(s)
1. That Council accept the one-year update on the Cost Recovery Policy as information.
2. That Administration be directed to continue monitoring and reporting annually on the impacts and outcomes of the Cost Recovery Policy
Administration Recommendation(s)
Administration supports the acceptance of the one-year update on the Cost Recovery Policy as information.
Purpose
To provide Council with an update on the implementation, outcomes, and financial effects of the Cost Recovery Policy after its first year in effect.
Summary
In response to rising costs for fire services, previous Council implemented a Fire Cost Recovery Policy in 2024 to balance expenses between users and the community while limiting tax increases and was implemented in 2025. Over the past year, Fire Administration has tracked the policy’s impacts across departments.
Over the course of the first year, Fire Services has encountered questions and concerns regarding the administration of the Cost Recovery Policy, along with valuable feedback from residents and businesses.
Historical Information:
The Fire Cost Recovery Policy was first presented to Council for consideration in September 2024. Council adopted the policy in reference to Fire Services Bylaw 2023-17.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
The policy is FD-08 Fire Cost Recovery, 2023-17 The Fire Services Bylaw, and 2025-21 - 2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0.00
Source of Funding: N/A
Other:
Ongoing administrative costs for tracking and collections had been absorbed within departmental budgets. Increased Administration time to create, manage and communicate with affected parties has become a strain on department resources.