Whereas local governments need to replace aging fire apparatus to ensure continued effective emergency response capabilities; And whereas pursuant to local government legislation, a referendum is required for the authorization to spend public funds to replace fire apparatus, and the process of holding a referendum can bring significant costs to local governments, in particular small communities: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial government to remove the requirement to hold a referendum to replace fire apparatus for local governments under 15,000 in population.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General The Province recognizes the challenges small and rural communities face in replacing aging fire apparatus and maintaining effective emergency response capabilities. The Office of the Fire Commissioner OFC has engaged with UBCM, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and other partners to explore more flexible, performance-based approaches to fire apparatus standards and advocate for extending insurance recognition beyond 20 years for well-maintained, low-mileage equipment. While the Province does not set Fire Underwriters Survey FUS standards, the OFC remains committed to facilitating discussions with UBCM and FUS to ensure local governments have clear information on rating criteria. These efforts aim to support sustainable fire protection services without compromising safety or insurance requirements. Elector approval remains essential for transparency and public accountability in decisions that impact long-term local government finances. Although the administrative burden is acknowledged, the Province is not considering removing this requirement from legislation at this time. Local governments may use either an assent vote or the streamlined Alternative Approval Process to meet this obligation. In 2025, the Province amended the municipal liabilities regulation and the short-term capital borrowing regulation to give municipalities more flexibility to plan and finance infrastructure projects. Municipalities can now borrow without elector approval for debt costs up to 10 per cent of their annual revenue. In addition, the dollar limit for short-term capital borrowing has been increased from 50 to 150 per capita. The Province anticipates that these measures will save time and costs and help municipalities deliver a wider range of essential infrastructure more efficiently.