Fernie council unanimously endorsed a resolution for the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments annual general meeting that focuses on the operation of emergency weather shelters.
The resolution would address emergency cold shelters that have been closed due to sprinkler system requirements under the fire code.
“We are asking the province for a narrow emergency exemption framework and liability protection. Right now if they were to go in, the fire inspector would be liable,” said councillor Troy Nixon.
“It’s all up to the province. I just want to get this to the floor of the AKBLG for some discussion.”
He said there needs to be a better framework in place that recognizes the safety risks of these shelters, but also recognizes the alternative of not having them.
“Compassion and safety are not competing values. The goal of this resolution is for a response that is both humane and responsible. Doing nothing during extreme weather is neither safe nor acceptable,” he added.
“Life safety for sprinklers versus freezing to death life safety.”
The resolution will be presented at this year’s AKBLG AGM. If they are receptive of the resolution it would then go to the UBCM convention.
If it’s approved there the UBCM would then advocate to the province.
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