Entire Fire Board should run for re-election

April 2, 2025 Editorial

Clearly, something is up with the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District.

And, let’s be clear, this is the elected Board being discussed.

Not the paid-on-call firefighters of the Gabriola Fire Department.

First, there’s the civil suit pending in court. The defendant’s response is here.

Second, there’s the issue of there being in camera meetings for matters which, at least according to the provincial guidelins for Improvement District, should not be discussed in camera.

Like needing to take out a loan from taxpayers’ Capital Reserves, or on next year’s tax Levy.

Without informing the public that there might be a financial situation requiring this.

Or like delaying the election and annual general meeting.

With little reason given. Update: Chair’s explanation on the in camera issues.

Again, a discussion that should happen in public.

Delaying an election, and AGM, is not an appropriate discussion to have behind closed doors.

If this Board is going to stand on the merit of how it does business, it should do so in a full election.

If and when that election is called.

It shouldn’t just be for the positions of the two Trustees who have terms finishing this year.

The entire board should put itself up for re-election.

Nothing prevents the other Trustees from voluntarily announcing now that they are stepping down; and then putting their names in the hat when an election is called.

Let this board see if they can maintain a public mandate for business as usual.