Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 954, 2026

Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 954, 2026

Table of Contents

PART 1: GENERAL Citation Repeal and Consequential Amendments

PART 2: ADOPTION AND APPLICATION OF THE FIRE CODE

PART 3: INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS Words and Phrases Definitions Severability Conflict Application Gender and Number

PART 4: ADMINISTRATION Fire & Rescue Service Operations Level Fire & Rescue Service Responsibilities Limitations on Services Provided Jurisdiction of the Fire & Rescue Service Appointment and Accountability of Officers and Members Powers of the Fire Chief

PART 5: INSPECTION OF PREMISES Authority for Inspection Entry for Inspection Frequency of Inspections

PART 6: FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT Buildings and Occupancies Connections for Building Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems Alarm Systems Sprinkler Systems Smoke Alarm Maintenance Fire Watch Fire Hydrants Fire Hydrants on Private Property Fire Extinguishers Fire Protection Upgrades

PART 7: EMERGENCY ACCESS AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS Emergency Access Premises Under Construction High Building – Special Provisions Street Addresses

PART 8: EVACUATIONS Fire Safety Plans Obstructions Storage on Roofs or Balconies Roof Access

PART 9: FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE AUTHORITY Incident Management Right to Enter Prevention, Control and Enforcement Contamination and Replacement of Equipment Evacuation of Buildings Commandeering of Privately Owned Equipment

PART 10: CONDUCT OF PERSONS No Interference Prohibition Against Entry False Representation Scene Control Driving over Equipment

PART 11: VACANT OR DAMAGED BUILDINGS Vacant Premises Damaged Buildings

PART 12: GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY Building Safety Incidents Involving Controlled Substances Hazardous Materials Incidents Accumulation of Combustible Materials

PART 13: BURNING REGULATIONS Burning Restrictions Exceptions

PART 14: ENFORCEMENT Fire Orders Removal or Seizure

PART 15: COST RECOVERY Inspection Fees False Alarm Fee Standby Fee Forced Entry Fire Investigation Fee File Search Fee Fire and Dangerous Goods Incidents Scene Security Costs Mutual Aid Fire Services Cost Recovery No Relief from Other Fees General Fee Provisions

PART 16: PENALTY Penalty

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TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY BYLAW NO. 954

A BYLAW TO ESTABLISH A MUNICIPAL FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE AND TO REGULATE FIRE PREVENTION, PROTECTION AND CONTROL SERVICES

The Council of the Town of View Royal, in open meeting assembled, enacts as follows:

PART 1: GENERAL

1.1 Citation

This Bylaw may be cited as "Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 954, 2026".

1.2 Repeal and Consequential Amendments

1.2.1 Town of View Royal Fire Service Bylaw, 1992, No. 114 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed.

1.2.2 False Alarm Bylaw No. 658, 2007 and all amendments thereto are hereby repealed.

PART 2: ADOPTION AND APPLICATION OF THE FIRE CODE

2.1 The British Columbia Fire Code is adopted and made part of this bylaw as a regulation of the Town.

2.2 Any person who contravenes, violates, or fails to comply with a provision of the Fire Code commits an offence under this bylaw.

PART 3: INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS

3.1 Words and Phrases

3.1.1 Unless specifically defined herein, words and phrases used in this bylaw are to be construed in accordance with the meanings assigned to them by the Fire Safety Act, the Building Code, the Fire Code or the Community Charter as the context and circumstances require.

3.2 Definitions

"Alarm Incident" means the activation of an Alarm System resulting in the direct or indirect reporting of the activation to the Police or Fire & Rescue Services.

"Alarm System" means either a Fire Alarm System or a Security Alarm System.

"Apparatus" means any vehicle, machinery, device, equipment, or material used for fire protection or Assistance Response and any vehicle used to transport Members or supplies.

"Assistance Response" means aid provided in respect of fires, alarms, Explosions, medical emergencies or Incidents, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, escape of Dangerous Goods, rail transport or aeronautical Incidents, motor vehicle or other accidents, or circumstances necessitating rescue efforts.

"BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards" means the mandatory minimum training standards set under paragraph 4(1)(d)(iii) of the Fire Safety Act (B.C.) by the Office of the Fire Commissioner and approved by the Minister of Justice, entitled British Columbia Fire Service Minimum Training Standards: Structure Firefighters - Competency and Training Playbook (July 2024), as same may be amended, revised or replaced from time to time.

"Building" means any Structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or Occupancy.

"Building Code" means the British Columbia Building Code as amended from time to time.

"Combustible Material" means any material capable of being ignited.

"Construction" includes a Building, erection, installation, repair, alteration, addition, enlargement, or reconstruction.

"Council" means the Council for the Town.

"Dangerous Goods" means those products or substances that are regulated under the Canada Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and its Regulation.

"Deputy Fire Safety Director" means a person appointed in writing by a Building Owner, business proprietor or a Fire Safety Director and given the responsibility and authority to supervise and maintain a Fire Safety Plan in the absence of the Fire Safety Director.

"Emergency Access Route" means a portion of a private roadway or yard providing an access route for Fire & Rescue Service vehicles from a public thoroughfare, as required under the Building Code.

"Emergency Dispatch" means Operational Communication Centre for security alarms and any designated Fire Dispatch for fire alarms.

"Explosion" means a rapid release of energy, which may or may not be preceded or followed by a fire, which produces a pressure wave or shock wave in air and is usually accompanied by a loud noise.

"False Alarm" means the activation of an Alarm System that results in a response from the Police or Fire & Rescue Services where a situation requiring such a response does not exist and includes a situation where: (a) the Alarm System has malfunctioned for any reason, including, but not limited to, improper installation or maintenance; (b) the Alarm System has been activated in error; (c) the Alarm System has been activated by improper use; (d) the Alarm System has been activated during testing; (e) there is no evidence of forced entry, fire, smoke, or heat damage; or (f) the cause of the alarm cannot be determined.

"Fire Alarm System" means a device or devices installed on or in real property and designed to issue a warning of a fire by activating an audible alarm signal or alerting a monitoring facility but does not include a Fire Alarm System that is intended to alert only the occupants of the Premises in which it is installed.

"Fire Chief" means the Director of Protective Services for the Town, as appointed by Council, acting as head of the Fire & Rescue Service, or a person designated by the Director to act in the place of the Director.

"Fire Code" means the British Columbia Fire Code as amended from time to time.

"Fire & Rescue Service" means the Fire & Rescue Service for the Town of View Royal.

"Fire Hazard" means any condition, arrangement or act which increases the likelihood of fire or which may provide a ready fuel supply to augment the spread or intensity of a fire or which may obstruct, delay, hinder, or interfere with the operations of the Fire & Rescue Service or the egress of occupants in the event of fire.

"Fire Protection Equipment" includes but is not limited to Fire Alarm Systems, automatic Sprinkler Systems, special extinguisher systems, portable fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, water supplies for fire protection, standpipe and hose systems, fixed pipe fire suppression systems in commercial cooking exhaust systems, smoke control measures and emergency power installations.

"Fire Safety Director" means a person appointed in writing by a Building Owner or business proprietor and given the responsibility and authority to supervise and maintain a Fire Safety Plan.

"Fire Safety Plan" means a plan for a Building required under the Fire Code and this Bylaw, that includes, without limitation: (a) emergency procedures to be used in case of fire; (b) training and appointment of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties; (c) documents showing the type, location and operation of fire emergency systems; (d) the holding of fire drills; (e) the control of Fire Hazards; and (f) inspection and maintenance of facilities for safety of the Building's occupants.

"Fire Watch" means a fire warning and inspection process within a Building that includes the following: (a) posting of written notices at all entrances and exits on each floor stating that a Fire Watch is in effect and its expected duration; (b) as per the BC Fire Code frequency, Part B, section 6.1.1.4 Protection during Shutdown; (c) notation in an entry book at least every hour of the conditions in the Building by the person(s) performing the Fire Watch; (d) some provision on site for the person(s) performing the Fire Watch for the making of 911 emergency call(s); and (e) posting of instructions in the Building as to the alerting of all occupants of the Building of alternate actions to be taken in case of an emergency.

"Flammable Material" means any free burning material including but not limited to solids, combustible dust, combustible fibers, flammable liquid, flammable gas, and liquefied flammable gas.

"Full Service Operations" means the Service Level that includes activities that are undertaken by firefighters and Officers trained in the full spectrum of competencies outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter 2, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications as well as the relevant competencies of NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications for Officers, as described.

"Incident" means an event or situation to which the Fire & Rescue Service has responded or would normally respond.

"Incident Commander" means the Member of the Fire & Rescue Service who has assumed responsibility for management of fire and rescue operations at an Incident, or who performs this role under the authority of the Fire Chief.

“Local Authority” means the following: (a) the council of a municipality; (b) the board of a regional district; or (c) any authority prescribed by regulation.

"Member" means a person employed, whether full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer, and holding a position within the Fire & Rescue Service as an Officer or firefighter.

"Monitoring Service" means a person, partnership or corporation engaged in the business of monitoring Alarm Systems and reporting the occurrence of alarms to the Fire & Rescue Service.

"No Alarm Status" means the designation of any real property as having had no False Alarms.

"Occupancy" means the use or intended use of a Building or part thereof for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.

"Occupier" includes an Owner or agent of the Owner, a tenant, lessee, user, agent and any other person who has a right of access to, possession and control of a Building or other Premises to which this Bylaw applies.

"Officer" means the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, Assistant Chief, Chief Training Officer, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Captain, Fire Prevention Officer, and any Member designated by the Fire Chief to act in the capacity of an Officer.

"Officer in Charge" means the Officer in Charge or their designate of the West Shore RCMP.

"Owner" means a person who has Ownership or control of real or personal property, and includes, in the case of real property: (a) the registered Owner of an estate in fee simple; (b) the tenant for life under a registered life estate; (c) the registered holder of the last registered agreement for sale; and (d) in relation to common property and common facilities in a strata plan, the strata corporation for the strata plan.

"Permit" means a current and valid document issued by the Fire Chief or a Member authorizing a person to carry out a procedure or undertaking described in the Permit, or to use, store or transport materials under conditions stipulated in the Permit.

"Police and Police Department" mean the West Shore Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

"Property Reference" means a person, persons or company employed to represent the Owner or Occupier of any real property.

"Premises" includes the whole or any part of a parcel of real property and any Buildings or Structures on the property.

"Security Alarm System" means a device or devices installed on or in real property and that is designed, intended or used for the detection of an unauthorized entry into a Building, Structure, facility or surrounding area; or for alerting others to the commission of an unlawful act, including a hold up alarm system; or both, and which emits a sound or transmits a message, or does both, but does not include a device which registers an alarm which is not audible, visible or perceptible outside the Premises inside which it is installed or a device which is installed in a motor vehicle.

"Service Level" means the level of service to be provided by the Town’s Fire & Rescue Service, as determined by Council, from among one of the following options: Exterior Operations, Interior Operations or Full-Service Operations.

"Service Provider" means any person, partnership or corporation who in their course of business provides technical service involving fire protection or life safety equipment.

"Sprinkler System" means an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association standards which is normally activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.

"Structure" means a Construction or portion thereof, of any kind, whether fixed to, supported or sunk into land or water, except landscaping, fences, paving and retaining Structures less than 1.22 meters in height.

"Town" means the Town of View Royal.

3.3 Severability

3.3.1 If any part, section, subsection or phrase of this Bylaw is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalid portion is to be severed and the remainder of the Bylaw will be deemed to have been enacted without the invalid portion.

3.4 Conflict

3.4.1 In the event of a conflict, discrepancy, variation or inconsistency between this Bylaw and the Fire Safety Act, the Fire Code or the Building Code, the provisions of the Fire Safety Act, the Fire Code or the Building Code, as the case may be, prevail over the provisions of this Bylaw to the extent of the conflict, discrepancy, variation or inconsistency.

3.5 Application

3.5.1 The provisions of this Bylaw apply to all Buildings, Structures, Premises and conditions within the Town and, for certainty, apply to both existing Buildings and Buildings under Construction.

3.6 Gender and Number

3.6.1 Wherever the singular or masculine is used in this Bylaw, it is to be construed as meaning the plural, feminine or the body corporate or politic where the context so requires.

PART 4: ADMINISTRATION

4.1 Fire Service Operations Level

4.1.1 The Town's Fire & Rescue Service provides a full fire service operations level as detailed by the British Columbia Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards, (4th Edition, Amended July 2024).

4.1.2 The Town's Fire & Rescue Service trains to the full fire service operations level fire suppression as required by the British Columbia Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards, (4th Edition, Amended July 2024).

4.2 Fire & Rescue Service Responsibilities

4.2.1 The Fire & Rescue Service is authorized to: (a) take all proper measures to prevent, control, and extinguish fires; (b) provide assistance in response to: i. medical emergencies; ii. land/marine rescue operations; iii. requests for aid from other fire services and rescue operations; iv. hazardous materials Incidents; v. requests for public service; and vi. motor vehicle accidents.

4.3 Limitations on Services Provided

4.3.1 Notwithstanding anything in this Service Level policy: (a) in relation to any particular Incident response, the department will undertake only those emergency response activities for which its responding Members at the Incident are properly trained and equipped; and (b) the Fire Chief may determine to limit the fire suppression activities of the department in circumstances where because of turn-over in Members or for other reasons, in the Fire Chiefs view the department should suspend undertaking fire suppression or rescue operations.

4.3.2 Where the Fire Chief has made a determination under section 4.3.1(b), they will immediately inform the Town, including the reasons for the decision. The Fire Chief may elect to recommence providing fire suppression and rescue operations when they consider it warranted and will inform the Town when making such decision.

4.4 Jurisdiction of Fire & Rescue Service

4.4.1 The limits of the jurisdiction of the Fire Chief, Officers and Members of the Fire & Rescue Service, will extend to the area and boundaries of the Town, and no part of the Fire & Rescue Service Apparatus are to be used beyond the limits of the Town without: (a) the express authorization of a written contract or agreement providing for the supply of firefighting services outside the Town boundaries; (b) the approval of Council; or (c) in an emergency, the approval of the Mayor or Acting Mayor.

4.5 Appointment and Accountability of Officers and Firefighters

4.5.1 The Fire Chief and their designate will be appointed by Council.

4.5.2 Officers will be appointed by the Fire Chief, as vacancies occur or as needs dictate and in compliance with the approved Town Financial Plan Bylaw.

4.5.3 All Officers are responsible for ensuring that all applicable Municipal Bylaws and Fire & Rescue Service policies, procedures, rules and regulations are complied with by Members.

4.6 Powers of the Fire Chief

4.6.1 The Fire Chief is authorized to: (a) make rules for the proper and efficient administration and operation of the Fire & Rescue Service and change, replace or withdraw the rules as they consider necessary; (b) make rules or take measures respecting the discipline of Members of the Fire & Rescue Service; (c) enter on property and inspect Premises for conditions that may cause a fire, increase the danger of a fire, or increase the danger to persons or property from a fire. All entry to premises under this Bylaw is subject to the Fire Safety Act, including restrictions respecting entry into private dwellings without the consent of the occupier of a warrant; (d) take measures to prevent and suppress fires, including the demolition of Buildings and other Structures to prevent the spreading of fires; (e) order an Owner or Occupier of real property to undertake any actions directed by the Fire Chief or other authorized person authorized by Council by name of office or otherwise for the purpose of removing or reducing anything or condition that person considers is a Fire Hazard or increases the danger of fire; (f) provide Assistance Response; (g) exercise any powers that may be delegated to the Fire Chief by the Fire Commissioner in accordance with the Fire Safety Act; (h) enforce Town bylaws, rules, orders and regulations respecting fire prevention and suppression and the protection of life and property; (i) inquire into, investigate and record the causes of fires in the Town; (j) collect and disseminate information in regard to fires in the Town; (k) investigate and hold inquiries into such fires; (l) study methods of fire prevention; and (m) provide advice and make recommendations to Council, other Officers and employees of the Town and the public in relation to: i. the establishment and administration of fire brigades and departments; ii. the provision of adequate water supply and pressure; iii. the installation or maintenance of automatic or other Fire Alarm Systems and fire extinguishment equipment; iv. the enforcement of measures for the prevention or suppression of fire and the protection of life and property; and v. fire prevention generally.

4.6.2 Forests: (a) If, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, the safety of life and property in any area within the Town is endangered through the hazardous condition of the forest cover or the occurrence or spread of fire burning in any forest or woodland, the Fire Chief may, by order, declare that area a closed area for such period or periods of time as the Fire Chief may determine and that no person may enter or be in the closed area for any purpose in the absence of express authorization of the Fire Chief, and no operations of any class specified in the order may be carried on within the area. The Fire Chief in their sole discretion may erect fences, gates or barriers, or post signs; to prevent access to forested areas and take such other measures as they believe are necessary to prevent persons from entering forested areas. (b) No person may disobey an order of the Fire Chief, or any person who consents, allows or Permits an act or thing to be done in violation of an order of the Fire Chief, or who neglects to or refrains from doing anything required to be done by an order of the Fire Chief, is guilty of an offence and is liable to the penalties imposed under this Bylaw, and is guilty of a separate offence each day that a violation continues to exist. (c) If the safety of forest, woodland, timber or other property is endangered by debris caused by lumbering, land clearing or industrial operation, the Fire Chief may order a person carrying on, or who has carried on, that debris causing activity, or the Owner or Occupier of the land in which the debris exists to: i. cut down all dead standing tress and stumps within the area affected; ii. dispose of the debris; and iii. provide the labor and take precautions to prevent the escape of fire or damage to property as the Fire Chief directs. (d) If the Fire Chief or designate makes an order under sub-section. (e) Forests, the Owner, Occupier, or other person will: i. cease the activity specified in the order; and ii. take the actions specified in the order. (f) If the Fire Chief or designate makes an order under sub-section. (g) 4.6.2 Forests, no person may enter or be in the forest or woodland specified in the order without the authorization of the Fire Chief or designate. (h) The Fire Chief, or any Member, may: i. on reasonable notice, enter on property for the purpose of fire protection; ii. in the case of an emergency, as determined by the Fire Chief or any person authorized to act in the place of the Fire Chief, enter on property for the purpose of fire protection; iii. on reasonable notice, enter on property that is subject to a direction in or requirement of a bylaw, to ascertain whether the direction or requirement is being met or the regulations under the bylaw are being observed; and iv. All entry to premises under this Bylaw is subject to the Fire Safety Act, including restrictions respecting entry into private dwellings without the consent of the occupier of a warrant.

PART 5: INSPECTION OF PREMISES

5.1 Authority for Inspection

5.1.1 The Fire Chief and any Member designated by the Fire Chief in accordance with Section 10 of the Fire Safety Act are authorized to enter at all reasonable times upon any Premises to inspect conditions considered hazardous to life or property as described in the Fire Code and Fire Safety Act. All entry to premises under this Bylaw is subject to the Fire Safety Act, including restrictions respecting entry into private dwellings without the consent of the occupier of a warrant.

5.2 Entry for Inspection

5.2.1 A person must not obstruct, hinder, or prevent the Fire Chief or any designated Member from entering into or upon any Premises for the purpose of inspecting the Premises in the ordinary course of their duties.

5.3 Frequency of Inspections

5.3.1 The Fire Chief is directed and authorized to establish and implement a risk-based inspection program for Buildings and Premises within the Town, which may include: (a) inspection frequencies based on occupancy and classification of risk; (b) periodic inspections of public buildings and other occupancies; and (c) minimum inspection intervals as set out below, unless otherwise adjusted based on risk assessment:

Note: Residential Day Cares are a Provincial Health responsibility. They are inspected by the Fire & Rescue Service upon opening as a courtesy to Island Health. No further site inspections occur unless requested by Island Health. Annual service records for fire safety equipment on site, required by the Fire Code, are provided by the Day Care operator. No inspections of Agricultural properties occur unless by request, or serious complaint. The Fire & Rescue Service has no inspection jurisdiction on these properties under the BC Fire Safety Act.

PART 6: FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

6.1 Buildings and Occupancies

6.1.1 Every Owner of Premises must ensure that all Fire Protection Equipment required under the Building Code, Fire Code or Bylaw is inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with good engineering practices and the applicable standards, requirements and guidelines of the Building Code, the Town's Building Bylaw, the Fire Code, this Bylaw and all other applicable enactments, and any equivalents or alternative solutions required or accepted under those enactments.

6.2 Connections for Building Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems

6.2.1 Fire & Rescue Service pumper connections must be located and positioned in accordance with the Building Code or as approved by the Fire Chief.

6.2.2 Every Owner or Occupier of a Building must ensure that signs are displayed identifying: (a) which Fire & Rescue Service connection serves a particular sprinkler or standpipe system; and (b) the maximum pumping inlet pressure at a Fire & Rescue Service connection.

6.3 Alarm Systems

6.3.1 Every Owner or Occupier of real property is responsible for the proper use, installation, maintenance and operation of any Alarm System installed on the real property which they own or occupy to ensure the prevention of False Alarms.

6.3.2 The Property References whose names are provided by the Owner or Occupier to the Monitoring Service must be: (a) available to receive telephone calls from the Monitoring Service in the event of an Alarm Incident; (b) able to attend at the address of the Alarm Incident within thirty (30) minutes of being requested to do so by the Monitoring Service; (c) capable of affording the Police or Fire & Rescue Service access to the Premises where the Alarm Incident is located; and (d) capable of operating the Alarm System and able to safeguard the Premises and take responsibility for the real property.

6.3.3 The Monitoring Service must immediately report every Alarm Incident from a Fire Alarm System to Emergency Dispatch and must subsequently place a telephone call to the Premises from which the fire alarm or was sent to verify whether the alarm is false or not. If the Monitoring Service confirms that the fire alarm is a False Alarm through the verification telephone call to the Premises from which the alarm was sent, the Monitoring Service must immediately notify Emergency Dispatch.

6.3.4 The Owner or Occupier of real property with a code required fire alarm system can apply in writing for a reinstatement to No Alarm Status by providing evidence to the Fire & Rescue Service that a certified alarm service company has reviewed the Alarm System, identified the cause(s) of the False Alarm and rectified the cause(s) of the False Alarm.

6.3.5 This application for reinstatement to No Alarm Status must be initiated by the Owner or Occupier within thirty (30) days of issuance of a notice or invoice for a False Alarm.

6.3.6 The Owner or Occupier of real property may appeal the validity of a determination that an alarm was false by submitting a notice in writing to the Officer in Charge or Fire Chief within ten (10) days of issuance of a notice or invoice for a False Alarm. The Officer in Charge or Fire Chief may: (a) conduct an internal investigation; or (b) attempt to resolve the appeal informally with the Owner or Occupier; or (c) convene a hearing with the Corporate Officer, the Owner or Occupier, and the Officer in Charge or Fire Chief; or (d) receive written or oral submissions from the Owner or Occupier; and determine whether the alarm was false and may subsequently cancel the invoice.

6.3.7 The determination by the Officer in Charge or Fire Chief under Section 6.3.9 of this Bylaw is final and conclusive for all purposes.

6.3.8 The Officer in Charge or Fire Chief may delegate responsibility under Section 6.3.9 to another staff Member in the Police or Fire & Rescue Service respectively.

6.3.9 The Fire Chief may prescribe the form of notices and invoices for the purposes of this Bylaw.

6.4 Sprinkler Systems

6.4.1 Every Owner of Premises for which a Sprinkler System is required under the Building Code or Building Sprinkler Bylaw No. 500, 2002 must, in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Code, maintain, repair and upgrade the Sprinkler System to accommodate any material change in use or Occupancy that results in a greater Fire Hazard than that which the Sprinkler System was intended to accommodate.

6.4.2 When a Building equipped with a Sprinkler System or a standpipe is being demolished, the system or standpipe must be maintained in operation, subject to sequential deactivation, until the demolition work is completed.

6.5 Smoke Alarm Maintenance

6.5.1 The Owner and Occupier of every premise with residential Occupancy must ensure that all installed smoke alarms are maintained, tested, repaired, and replaced in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer.

6.6 Fire Watch

6.6.1 If the fire protection system(s) in an occupied Building becomes unserviceable or is under maintenance for a prolong period thereby compromising life safety, the Building Owner or authorized agent must institute a Fire Watch, as determined by the Fire Chief, until such time as the protection system is fully functional.

6.7 Fire Hydrants

6.7.1 An area having a radius of one (1) meter around every fire hydrant or standpipe must be maintained clear and unobstructed and every hydrant or standpipe must be located in clear view from the roadway while being approached from either direction. Where an Owner of a property has a fire hydrant located adjacent to their property, the maintenance of clearance around the hydrant is the responsibility of the registered Owner of the property.

6.7.2 The fire hose connection type, hydrant colour coding and location of all fire hydrants and other Fire & Rescue Service connections are subject to the approval of the Fire Chief.

6.7.3 No person, except a Member, may use or take water from any fire hydrant or standpipe, nor make any attachment to a fire hydrant or standpipe, without first obtaining written permission from the Capital Regional Water Services.

6.8 Fire Hydrants on Private Property

6.8.1 Where a fire hydrant is located on private property, the Owner or Occupier of the Premises must ensure that all requirements of the Building Code and the Fire Underwriters' Survey Water Supply for Public Fire Protection are complied with during installation of the fire hydrant.

6.8.2 The Owner or Occupier of Premises on which a private fire hydrant is installed, must ensure that the hydrant is maintained in accordance with Section 6.7 and is in good working condition at all times and that the hydrant is inspected, serviced and tested at least yearly by a Fire Protection Technician in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Code.

6.9 Fire Extinguishers

6.9.1 Within the Town all Construction of new dwelling units requires the installation of a fire extinguisher (minimum ABC rating). The fire extinguisher installed must be ULC, UL, or CSA approved and be located within a reasonable distance from the kitchen and on the same floor level as the kitchen, at all times.

6.9.2 Within the Town the Construction of an addition to an existing dwelling requires the installation of a fire extinguisher (minimum ABC rating). The fire extinguisher installed must be ULC, UL or CSA approved and be located within a reasonable distance from the kitchen and on the same floor level as the kitchen, at all times.

6.10 Fire Protection Upgrades

6.10.1 The Fire Chief may require the Owner of an existing multi-residential, assembly, commercial, industrial or institutional Occupancy, to provide or make alterations to fire protection systems including, heat and smoke detection, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, exit signs, emergency lighting, fire separations and means of exit, in order to provide adequate life safety to its occupants. These requirements will not exceed those established by the British Columbia Building Code and may include equivalencies as determined by the Fire Chief.

PART 7: EMERGENCY ACCESS AND EVACUATIONS

7.1 Emergency Access

7.1.1 Every gate, bollard, chain or other Structure used to secure a required Emergency Access Route must be approved by the Fire Chief prior to installation.

7.1.2 Every Emergency Access Route must be clearly marked with permanent signage, in accordance with the Fire Code, or with highway marking of lines and words, in a size and color approved by the Fire Chief, which must read: FIRE LANE - NO PARKING

7.1.3 Every Owner of Premises must ensure that an Emergency Access Route, when secured by a gate, bollard, chain or other Structure, has a permanent mounted sign on each side of the obstruction, of a size no less than sixty (60.0) cm by seventy-five (75.0) cm, which must read: EMERGENCY ACCESS ONLY - NO PARKING OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS

7.1.4 No person may, by obstruction or any other means, prevent the use of an Emergency Access Route by the Fire & Rescue Service or interfere or tamper with any gates, cables or other devices installed by the Fire Chief on such routes.

7.2 Premises under Construction

7.2.1 The Owner of Premises under Construction must ensure that every required Emergency Access Route: (a) is finished to a minimum standard of clean compacted gravel or other surface materials acceptable to the Fire Chief; (b) provides adequate access for Fire & Rescue Service Apparatus; is clearly designated as an Emergency Access Route; (c) is maintained at all times free of obstruction; and (d) is secured with a gate, bollard, chain or other Structure or assembly approved by the Fire Chief prior to installation, and a key for any lock is made available to the Fire & Rescue Service.

7.2.2 Every Owner of Premises under Construction must ensure that water supplies for fire protection are installed when Construction commences or as determined by the Fire Chief.

7.2.3 During Construction, servicing or repairs of private fire hydrants and water supply systems, the Owner of the Premises must ensure that all fire hydrant conditions affecting fire safety, such as fire hydrants temporarily out of service, low water volumes and low water pressures, are immediately made known to the Fire & Rescue Service.

7.3 High Buildings – Special Provisions

7.3.1 The Fire & Rescue Service may require that an engineered rope rescue anchor system, rated for a two-person load, be incorporated into the roof Structure of any Building greater than five (5.0) stories in height, as measured from grade to the floor level of the top story. This system must be installed to all applicable standards and is required to be tested and maintained to a safe and operating condition, as per manufacturers or engineers' recommendations.

7.4 Street Addresses

7.4.1 Every Owner of real property in the Town must ensure that Town assigned street addresses are displayed in accordance with the following requirements: (a) the civic address that the Town has assigned to the Premises must be displayed on the principal Building on the Premises and must be legible from a minimum distance of fifteen (15) metres, with each address number being not less than the minimum size specified in Table 7.4; (b) where a property includes multiple Buildings with separate addresses assigned to each of the Buildings, the Building address must be displayed on each Building in accordance with paragraph (a); (c) where a Building is set back from the street or roadway fronting the property such that the assigned street address is not clearly legible from the street or roadway, or where landscaping or architectural appurtenances or other obstructions obstruct the address, the assigned street address must also be displayed at the driveway entrance from the street or road serving the Building on a weather-resistant sign permanently mounted on a post and visible from all direction of traffic flow; (d) where unusual circumstances exist, the Fire Chief may require that a direction indicator or other means of readily identifying and locating a Building be provided; (e) letters or numbers displayed on a Building must be of a colour which contrasts with the background colour of the Building; and (f) if a required Emergency Access Route is from a street or route other than that to which the Town has assigned a civic address, a sign must be posted indicating the street address in a location approved by the Fire Chief.

Table 7.4

7.4.2 Any strata subdivision development where there is a road system contained within the strata development must name and display each road clearly for emergency providers to the current Town standard.

PART 8: EVACUATIONS

8.1 Fire Safety Plan

8.1.1 The Owner or Occupier of any Building required by the Fire Code to have a Fire Safety Plan prepared in cooperation with the Fire & Rescue Service must ensure that the Fire Safety Plan is compliant and consistent with the requirements of the Fire Code and must: (a) prepare the Fire Safety Plan in a form, format, and diagram template acceptable to the Fire Chief and submit the Fire Safety Plan to the Fire Chief for review; (b) review the Fire Safety Plan at least annually in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Code and if material changes have occurred in relation to the Building, use, or Occupancy, submit an updated plan to the Fire Chief; and (c) locate the Fire Safety Plan on the Premises in a location and manner acceptable to the Fire Chief to allow for reference by the Fire & Rescue Service.

8.1.2 The Owner or Occupier of every Occupancy of a Building required by the Fire Code to appoint supervisory staff must designate trained supervisory staff consisting of a Fire Safety Director and at least one Deputy Fire Safety Director to act when the Fire Safety Director is absent.

8.1.3 Either the Fire Safety Director or the Deputy Fire Safety Director must be present at the Premises as required by the Fire Code.

8.1.4 The Owner or Occupier of every Occupancy of a Building required by the Fire Code to appoint a Fire Safety Director must produce evidence, on request by the Fire & Rescue Service, that the Fire Safety Director and alternate person or persons have been trained to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief.

8.2 Obstructions

8.2.1 A person must not install or maintain any wire, barbed wire, razor ribbon, fence, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on any Building roof, parapet wall or openings in an exterior wall required by the Building Code or the Fire Code for Fire & Rescue Service access, so as to obstruct access or egress, cause a hazardous condition, or interfere with Fire & Rescue Services operations in the event of fire or other Incident.

8.3 Storage on Roofs or Balconies

8.3.1 A person must not cause to be placed, stored, or maintained upon any roof or balcony any hazardous materials or any material or object which may interfere with access or egress or Fire & Rescue Service operations in case of fire or other emergency, and must remove all such objects or materials upon the order of a Fire Inspector.

8.4 Roof Access

8.4.1 A person must not obstruct access passageways on a roof surface required by the Fire Code or Building Code.

PART 9: FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE AUTHORITY

9.1 Incident Management

9.1.2 The Fire & Rescue Service operates under a formal command Structure at Incidents requiring Assistance Response, providing for a designated Incident Commander responsible for all Fire & Rescue Service resources responding or at an Incident within the Town's jurisdiction. The primary Incident Commander is the Officer of the first arriving Apparatus. Management of Fire & Rescue Service resources may be transferred to a more qualified Member present at an Incident, as necessary.

9.2 Right to Enter

9.2.1 The Fire Chief and any other Officer or Incident Commander at an Incident are authorized to enter Premises where an Incident has occurred and to cause any Member, Apparatus, or equipment to enter the Premises, as deemed necessary, in relation to an Incident.

9.3 Prevention, Control and Enforcement

9.3.1 The Fire & Rescue Service may take all necessary measures for the prevention, suppression, control and extinguishment of fires, for mitigating the effects of Incidents involving Dangerous Goods, and for the protection of life and property, including conducting Assistance Response and administering emergency medical services.

9.4 Contamination and Replacement of Equipment

9.4.1 The Fire Chief may charge an Owner or occupant of a property or Premises for the full replacement or repair costs of Fire & Rescue Service equipment where, as a result of providing an Assistance Response at or near the property or Premises, such equipment has been damaged or contaminated by a hazardous substance or Dangerous Goods and requires decontamination, repair or replacement.

9.5 Evacuation of Buildings

9.5.1 The Incident Commander is authorized to order the evacuation of any Building or Premises where there is an immediate threat to life due to a fire hazard, explosion, or other emergency condition.

9.5.2 The Fire Chief, or a person authorized by the Fire Chief, may order the evacuation of any Building, Structure property or area where there is an immediate threat to life due to a fire hazard or explosion, in accordance with the Fire Safety Act.

9.5.3 In such case, no person, other than the Fire Chief, the Officer in Command, an Officer or Member of the Fire & Rescue Service, Peace Officer, or other person authorized by the Fire Chief or Officer in Command, may remain in or may enter such Building, Structure, property or area.

9.5.4 The Fire Chief at any Incident is authorized to cause a Building, Structure or thing to be pulled down, demolished, or otherwise removed if they deem it necessary to prevent the spread of an Incident to any other Building, Structure or thing, or to protect any person.

9.6 Commandeering of Privately-Owned Equipment

9.6.1 The Fire Chief at any Incident is authorized to commandeer privately owned equipment which they consider necessary to deal with such Incident.

PART 10: CONDUCT OF PERSONS

10.1 No Interference

10.1.1 A person must not impede, hinder, or obstruct any Member at an Assistance Response and every person must comply with orders or directions of a Member engaged in an Assistance Response.

10.1.2 Persons who interfere with a Member in the performance of their duties, or fail to comply with such orders or directions, may be removed from the scene of such Assistance Response by a Peace Officer or any Member.

10.1.3 A person must not interfere with or refuse to Permit any Member to enter into or upon Premises in relation to which an alarm or other request for assistance has been received, or in or upon which a Member has reasonable grounds to believe that an Incident has occurred or may occur.

10.1.4 A person must not interfere with any Member or refuse to Permit any Member to enter into or upon Premises or a fire scene to determine: (a) the cause and origin of a fire; (b) the cause of activation of a Fire Alarm System; or (c) the presence and functioning of a Sprinkler System or other fire or life safety protection system.

10.2 Prohibition Against Entry

10.2.1 A person must not, except as authorized by the Fire Chief, an Officer or an Incident Commander: (a) enter any Building or Premises involved in or threatened by an Incident; (b) enter within an area designated by ropes, guards or tape erected by or under the direction of a Peace Officer or a Member across or around any street, lane, alley, or Building; or (c) refuse to move from such designated area when directed to do so by a Peace Officer or a Member.

10.3 False Representation

10.3.1 A person must not make false representation as to being a Member of the Fire & Rescue Service, or wear or display any Fire & Rescue Service badge, cap, button, insignia, or other paraphernalia for the purpose of such false representation.

10.4 Scene Control

10.4.1 The Incident Commander at an Incident may establish boundaries or limits and keep unauthorized persons from entering the area within the prescribed boundaries or limits.

10.4.2 No person may enter the boundaries or limits of an area prescribed in accordance with Section 10.4.1 unless authorized to enter by the Incident Commander.

10.4.3 The Incident Commander at an Incident may temporarily restrict or prohibit vehicular, or pedestrian traffic on a roadway as necessary in order to ensure safety of persons and control of the Incident.

10.5 Driving Over Equipment

10.5.1 No person may drive a vehicle over any Fire & Rescue Service equipment unless specifically directed to do so by a Member. Persons who drive over Fire & Rescue Service equipment, without instruction to do so by a Member, may, in addition to any other penalty, be required to pay the actual costs of repairing or replacing damaged equipment.

PART 11: VACANT OR DAMAGED BUILDINGS

11.1 Vacant Premises

11.1.1 For the purpose of this Section, vacant Premises includes a lot, Building or other Structure in respect of which a water, gas or electricity service has been intentionally discontinued, other than for temporary maintenance, repair or upgrading, so that the condition of the Premises is not suitable for human habitation or other Occupancy that is normally Permitted.

11.1.2 The Owner of vacant Premises must promptly act to ensure that, at all times: (a) the Premises are free from litter and debris or accumulations of combustible or Flammable Materials except where storage of combustible or Flammable Materials is in strict accordance with the Fire Code and this Bylaw; and (b) all openings in the Premises are securely closed and fastened in a manner acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons.

11.1.3 Where an Owner fails to securely close a vacant Building as required by Subsection 11.1.2 (b), the Fire Chief may, by notice in writing, order the Owner to secure the Building or other part of the vacant Premises against unauthorized entry in a manner set out in the notice.

11.1.4 If an Owner of vacant Premises fails to bring the Premises into compliance with this Bylaw within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving a notice under Subsection 11.1.3, or if the Fire Chief or Member is unable to contact the Owner within twenty-four (24) hours of finding vacant Premises in an unsecured state, the Fire Chief may cause the Premises to be secured by Town employees or agents, who may board up or otherwise secure doors, windows and other points of entry into the Premises in order to prevent fires and unauthorized entry, at the cost and expense of the Owner.

11.2 Damaged Buildings

11.2.1 The Owner of a Building or other Structure that has been damaged due to fire, Explosion or similar event must immediately ensure that all openings and points of entry into the Building are kept securely closed and fastened in a manner acceptable to the Fire Chief so as to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons, or that one or more security guards are stationed to prevent such entry. If the Owner fails to provide the necessary security to the damaged Building within two (2) hours of being notified by the Fire Chief or following an Incident, the Fire Chief may cause the work to be carried out at the cost and expense of the Owner.

11.2.2 If full extinguishment of a fire is not possible because the Structure poses a serious safety risk to entry, and public health or safety is still threatened, the Structure may be ordered demolished immediately by the Fire & Rescue Service Incident Commander, under the authority of the Fire Safety Act, in order to facilitate full extinguishment and ensure scene safety. This work will be carried out by the earliest available equipment at the Incident Commander's discretion at the cost and expense of the Owner.

PART 12: GENERAL FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY

12.1 Building Safety

12.1.1 Where required by the British Columbia Fire Code, the Owner and/or the Occupier of any land or Building situated within the Town must at all times keep the same in a safe condition by: (a) maintaining emergency lighting, exit lighting, and exit signs in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (b) selecting, inspecting, testing, and maintaining portable extinguishers in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (c) providing and maintaining means of egress in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (d) maintaining exit doors in good repair and ensuring they are free to open in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (e) maintaining private roadways, yards, and fire lanes provided for Fire & Rescue Service access in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (f) providing, maintaining, and keeping private roadways clear, access roads, and fire lanes leading to commercial, industrial, and residential properties and fire hydrants, in conformance with Fire & Rescue Service criteria for Apparatus access; (g) ensuring that where access to property is controlled by the use of a gate, the design and installation both conform with Fire & Rescue Service criteria; (h) maintaining standpipe and hose systems and automatic Sprinkler Systems in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (i) installing and maintaining commercial cooking equipment exhausts and fire protection systems in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; (j) not causing or Permitting the number of persons Permitted to enter a room to exceed the maximum occupant load contrary to the British Columbia Fire Code; (k) not causing or Permitting Combustible Materials to accumulate in quantities or locations contrary to the British Columbia Fire Code; (l) storing, handling, using, and processing all flammable and combustible liquids in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code; and (m) maintaining fire separations in conformance with the British Columbia Fire Code.

12.2 Incidents Involving Controlled Substances

12.2.1 Every Owner or Occupier of lands or Buildings situated within the Town at which there is a fire related to the illegal use and/or cultivation of a controlled substance is liable to pay all costs and expenses incurred by the Town in controlling and extinguishing such fire by way of fee imposed by the Town.

12.3 Hazardous Materials Incidents

12.3.1 Where Fire & Rescue Service equipment has been damaged or contaminated while attending an Incident at or in vehicles, lands, or Buildings that resulted from the presence of a hazardous substance on or in the said vehicles, lands, or Buildings, the Owner or Occupier of the vehicles, lands, or Buildings must, by way of fee imposed by the Town, pay for the repair, replacement, and/or decontamination costs, including taxes, for such equipment. Such a fee will only be imposed where the Fire Chief concludes that the Incident resulted from an act, failure to act, or condition in contravention of an enactment.

12.4 Accumulation of Combustible Materials

12.4.1 Neither the Owner nor Occupier of any land or Building may Permit the accumulation of combustible growth or material of any kind which, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or Inspector, is liable to catch fire or increase the danger to persons or property from a fire or wildfire. The Owner or Occupier of the land or Building must dispose of said growth or material and take such precautions to prevent fire or damage to life or property, as ordered by the Fire Chief or Inspector.

12.4.2 If the Owner or Occupier of the land or Building fails to take such precautions to prevent the accumulation of combustible growth or material of any kind as ordered by the Fire Chief, then the Fire Chief may have the work performed by the Town or any other third party at the expense of the Owner by way of fee imposed by the Town.

PART 13: BURNING PROHIBITIONS AND EXCEPTIONS

13.1 Burning Restrictions

13.1.1 No person may at any time within the Town light, ignite, start or maintain, or knowingly Permit, allow or cause to be lit, ignited, started or maintained, any fire of any kind whatsoever in the open air or in an appliance, container or device in the open air.

13.1.2 Except as provided in this Bylaw, no person may burn any of the following materials in a solid fuel burning device, a domestic incinerator or in an open-air fire: (a) treated wood; (b) plastic or rubber products; (c) garbage; (d) garden refuse; (e) Construction or demolition waste; (f) animal organic waste; (g) paints or solvents; (h) paper products, other than to start a fire; or (i) Dangerous Goods.

13.2 Exceptions

13.2.1 The Fire Chief may issue a Permit on such terms and conditions they feel are reasonably necessary for the protection of safety for open air fires for the purpose of: (a) disease and pest control; (b) fire suppression training; (c) ethnic and cultural observances; and (d) special events.

13.2.2 Notwithstanding clause (13.1.1), an outdoor appliance that uses charcoal briquettes or is fueled by and burns natural gas or propane, for residential use only is Permitted without a Permit provided that it sits on a firm non-combustible base.

13.2.3 This Bylaw does not apply to burning by the Town for municipal purposes or Fire & Rescue Service training, or to the burning of natural gas or propane in an appliance or device that is regulated by the gas regulatory authority.

PART 14: ENFORCEMENT

14.1 Fire Orders

14.1.1 In addition to authority provided for orders by the Fire Chief or a Fire Inspector elsewhere in this Bylaw, if a person contravenes or fails to comply fully with any provision of this Bylaw, or if conditions exist in or upon any Premises which in the opinion of the Fire Chief, constitute a fire hazard or other danger to life or property, the Fire Chief may, in writing, issue such order to that person as may be necessary to ensure full and proper compliance with this Bylaw or to remove or otherwise deal with the Fire Hazard or other danger.

14.1.2 An order made by the Fire Chief or a Fire Inspector under this Bylaw may be served: (a) by delivering it or causing it to be delivered to the person to whom it is directed; (b) by sending the order by mail to the last known property Owner; or (c) if the person to whom it is directed cannot be found, is not known or refuses to accept service of the order, by posting a copy of the order in a conspicuous place on the Premises that are subject to the order.

14.1.3 If an order has been posted in accordance with Section 14.1.2, a person must not remove, deface, or destroy the order.

14.1.4 A person against whom an order has been made under this Bylaw may, within ten (10) days of the date of the order, request reconsideration by the Fire Chief. The Fire Chief may confirm, vary or cancel the order.

14.1.5 For clarity, where an order is issued under the Fire Safety Act, the review process established under that Act applies and is not affected by this Bylaw.

14.1.6 Every order issued by the Fire Chief or a Fire Inspector will state a date by which the order must be carried out, which date will, in the discretion of the issuer, have regard to the degree of urgency involved in correcting or removing conditions which may tend to increase the hazard of fire or danger to life and property.

14.1.7 Where a person is in default of an order made pursuant to this Bylaw, the Town by its employees, servants or agents may enter the Premises and affect such work as is required in the notice at the cost and expense of the Owner or Occupier of the Premises.

14.2 Removal or Seizure

14.2.1 Where necessary to address an immediate risk to life or property, the Fire Chief may remove or cause to be removed any material or thing that creates or contributes to a fire hazard, in accordance with applicable law.

PART 15: COST RECOVERY

15.1 Inspection Fees

15.1.1 Every person who obtains any of the following inspections by the fire department must pay the applicable fee prescribed in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016: (a) a special request inspection of a Building, Structure or site to determine compliance with this Bylaw or the Fire Code; or (b) reinspection of Premises after an order has been issued under this Bylaw.

15.2 False Alarm Fees

15.2.1 The Owner or Occupier of real property to which the services of the Police or the Fire & Rescue Service are provided in response to a False Alarm will pay to the Town, applicable fee prescribed in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016.

15.3 Standby Fees

15.3.1 When a Property Reference is unable to attend the real property at which a False Alarm Incident has occurred as directed in Section 6.3.2 (b), the Owner or Occupier of the real property will be required to pay the applicable standby fee prescribed in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016, for fire fighters and equipment that are required to stay on scene in excess of thirty (30) minutes.

15.3.2 A minimum of one (1) hour will be charged for standby as described in Section 15.3.1.

15.4 Forced Entry

15.4.1 In the event that Police or Fire & Rescue Service cause forced entry to the Premises due to the False Alarm, all costs incurred to secure the Building will be imposed on the Owner or Occupier of the property.

15.5 Fire Investigation Fee

15.5.1 Where a property owner, insurer, or other party requests documentation, reports, or services beyond those required by the Fire Safety Act, the applicable fee as set out in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016 will apply.

15.6 File Search Fee

15.6.1 Any person seeking documentation for information on Incident details or on occupancies for outstanding Fire Code violations or infractions or other related information must pay the fee specified in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016. Such requests will consider restrictions and obligations under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

15.7 Fire and Dangerous Goods Incidents

15.7.1 Every person who, willfully or recklessly and without reasonable cause: (a) sets or causes a fire to which the Fire & Rescue Service must respond; or (b) causes any other loss that can be directly attributed to the use of fireworks contrary to the requirements and restrictions of the Fireworks Bylaw, must pay the actual costs and expenses incurred by the Fire & Rescue Service in responding to and investigating the Incident.

15.7.2 Every Owner, carrier, agency, organization or other person having responsibility for the transport, storage or use of Dangerous Goods, is responsible, at that person's own cost and expense, for the cleanup and safe disposal of all such Dangerous Goods arising from any Incident, and a person who fails to do so must pay the actual costs and expenses incurred by the Fire & Rescue Service in performing such work including: (a) the costs and expenses incurred by the Town or its contractors or agents for the cleanup and safe transport and disposal of the Dangerous Goods; and (b) the costs incurred by the Fire & Rescue Service in mitigating the Dangerous Goods Incident, including without limitation, equipment replacement and decontamination costs.

15.8 Scene Security Costs

15.8.1 If a fire cause or other investigation is required, and cannot be conducted immediately, the Owner is required to provide for Incident security through a recognized security agency that is acceptable to the Incident Commander and any Peace Officer in Charge at the Incident. The security agency must: (a) be able to provide the required number of personnel on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the investigation; (b) be fully bonded; (c) be capable of cooperating in the exchange of specific information at the Incident in order to facilitate security efforts and communications exchange; and (d) be able to be on the Premises within one (1) hour of the request of the Owner, Fire & Rescue Service or Police.

15.8.2 All costs associated with security at an Incident, as described in Section 15.8.1, are the sole responsibility of the Owner or Occupier.

15.9 Mutual Aid Fire Services Cost Recovery

15.9.1 When, because the Fire & Rescue Service does not have the particular equipment or personnel required to deal with an Incident located within the Town, mutual aid fire services are provided to the property, the Town hereby imposes, on the registered Owner of the property to which the said mutual aid fire service is provided, all costs associated for mutual aid fire services as submitted to the Town by the mutual aid agency.

15.9.2 The cost recovery charges imposed by this Bylaw are due and payable by the registered Owner of property to which is supplied the mutual aid fire services within 30 days of the date of an invoice issued by the Town to the registered Owner of the property for the said mutual aid fire services.

15.10 No Relief from Other Fees

15.10.1 Payment of any of the fees specified in Section 15.1 or 15.9 does not relieve a person from the requirement to pay any other fee prescribed under the Fire Code, the Building Code, the Fire Safety Act, another Town Bylaw or any other applicable legislation.

15.11 General Fee Provisions

15.11.1 Where a fee is charged to the Owner or Occupier of property under this Bylaw, the Town may invoice the Owner of the real property in relation to which the fee was imposed.

15.11.2 Where a fee is charged to a Service Provider, the Town will invoice the Service Provider directly.

15.11.3 Where more than one person is liable to pay a fee or pay for the actual costs and expenses incurred by the Fire & Rescue Service, the fee or the costs and expenses may be imposed among the persons involved on a pro rata basis.

15.11.4 Where under this Bylaw the Town is authorized or required to provide work or services to lands or improvements, and the costs incurred by the Town in carrying out such work or services are not paid when due and payable, the Town may recover those costs from the Owner of the lands or improvements in the same manner and with the same remedies as ordinary taxes.

15.11.5 Any fees imposed under this Bylaw are due and payable within thirty (30) days of invoice and, if not paid on December 31st of the year in which they are imposed, may be added to and form part of the taxes payable on the real property as taxes in arrears.

PART 16: PENALTY

16.1 Penalty

16.1.1 Any person who violates any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence and is liable upon summary conviction to a fine of not less than $100.00 for a first offence and of not less than $200.00 for a second or subsequent offence.

16.1.2 Notwithstanding Section 16.1, any person who violates Section 15.2 will also be required to pay a fee for responding Apparatus and personnel as specified in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 958, 2016 for Engine and Truck Company Reimbursement Rates.

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READ A FIRST TIME THIS DAY OF , 2026

READ A SECOND TIME THIS DAY OF , 2026

READ A THIRD TIME THIS DAY OF , 2026

ADOPTED BY COUNCIL, SIGNED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CORPORATE OFFICER, AND SEALED WITH THE SEAL OF THE TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL THIS DAY OF , 2026.

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MAYOR

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CORPORATE OFFICER