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Smartphone stipend, pay raises approved for Lake Country firefighters

A staff report says it’s part of an effort to stay competitive with other communities in the Okanagan
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Lake Country Fire Department. - Image: Douglas Farrow

Lake Country council had no issue approving a new compensation policy paid-on-call (POC) firefighters.

Depending on their positions, firefighters will see their hourly rate rise from between $18.75 to $27 in July, and increasing to between $23 and $29 an hour by 2027. 

A staff report says it’s part of an effort to stay competitive with other communities in the Okanagan and recognize the time and dedication of part-time firefighters.

The policy also sets clearer rules for how firefighters are paid during emergency callouts. Each POC member would earn a minimum of two hours’ pay for an initial callout. 

Rates for wildfire deployments through BC Wildfire Services are handled separately by the province and remain at $56 per hour.

Alongside the pay raises, the district is also introducing a new $100 annual stipend for firefighters who use their personal smartphones for work-related duties, something many already do. 

It applies apply to roughly 70 eligible fire department staff.

The policy adds an estimated $33,000 to the fire department’s operating budget in 2025, followed by $26,000 more in both 2026 and 2027. 

Council approved the changes at its July 8 meeting.
 



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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