Merritt signs agreement with TNRD to provide fire protection at TMX camp

The City of Merritt has entered into an agreement with the Thompson Nicola Regional District to provide fire protection at the Trans Mountain camp for the next 18 months.

“Though the camp is within the Fire Protection area covered under the agreement between the TNRD and the City of Merritt, a camp of this nature is outside of the scope of that agreement. As such, to meet the needs of Trans Mountain and meet all regulatory requirements, an additional agreement is required for the City to provide the requested services,” wrote CAO Sean Smith.

To ensure the added service level doesn’t impact the City of Merritt, 2.5 full-time firefighters will be brought in for the term of the contract.

“The amount paid to the City of Merritt over this 18-month term, $312,405, is designed to fully cover the cost of those additional staff,” added Smith.

Council voted 7-0 to approve the agreement.