Grand Forks Fire command vehicle could cost up to $150,000
A proposed replacement command vehicle for Grand Forks Fire/Rescue carries a price tag of up to $150,000, with the proposed cost to come from Regional District of Kootenay Boundary reserves.
The expenditure advanced to the RDKB board after receiving support from the Boundary Services Committee, which recommended amending the regional district’s 2026-2030 financial plan to cover the purchase and fit-out of the new truck.
The replacement would take the place of a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado that RDKB staff say has reached the end of its service life within the department’s fleet cycle. According to a staff report, the Silverado has been used in a frontline operational capacity and is facing increasing maintenance demands.
Staff said the truck is approaching the point where reliability could affect operational readiness, while replacing it would also support the department’s fleet-standardization objectives. The new command vehicle would be used for emergency response, command and supervision duties and wildfire-interface operations.
The proposed purchase forms part of a broader fleet optimization plan developed by the Grand Forks fire chief and supported by the Boundary Services Committee earlier this year. As part of that work, the RDKB sold two less-used vehicles for a combined $363,200 before staff returned with the anticipated cost of replacing a command vehicle.
The reserve connected with the service had a 2026 balance of $525,632. Drawing the full $150,000 would leave an anticipated balance of $375,632.
Once the required budget amendment is in place, Grand Forks Fire/Rescue would handle procurement of the vehicle on the regional district’s behalf, while the truck would remain an RDKB asset.
The department is also awaiting a new fire engine budgeted at $675,000. A deposit has been paid, with delivery expected in November 2026.
Grand Forks Fire/Rescue provides fire protection in Grand Forks and operates the Carson Fire Hall on the RDKB’s behalf to serve Area D/Rural Grand Forks.
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary has approved a 10-year operating agreement with the Christina Gateway Community Development Association for the Christina Lake Welcome Centre.