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.
