UPDATE: GENELLE PREVAILS! RDKB Committee Votes to Keep Fire Hall Open
By Contributor
Jubilation erupted in Genelle today as the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s (RDKB) East End Services Committee unanimously voted to reverse its previous decision and keep Genelle Fire Station 373 open. This hard-fought victory, a direct result of three months of relentless community mobilization, means the station will continue to serve, albeit under a conditional operation plan set forth by the RDKB.
The decision followed an extraordinary display of dedication by the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group and hundreds of residents. Their powerful case was built on a 450-signature petition, 281 letters of support from Genelle’s ~760 residents, and a successful recruitment drive that saw over two dozen residents commit to apply to join the local fire station.
“This is an incredible moment for Genelle! The power of our united community has been heard loud and clear,” exclaimed Andrew Espenhain, spokesperson for the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group. “For three months, residents poured their hearts and energy into saving our fire hall. Today, we celebrate that our voices and efforts have triumphed. Genelle showed its true spirit, and we are immensely grateful to the Committee.”
While celebrating this achievement, the community now focuses on the RDKB’s conditional operation plan for Station 373. This RDKB-established framework outlines stringent requirements, including achieving 15 firefighters by September 1, 2025, consistently providing response, and maintaining at least 10 active firefighters to avoid potential renewed closure discussions if benchmarks are missed. These conditions present the next challenge for ensuring the station’s long-term success.
“This victory belongs to everyone in Genelle who fought for our fire hall. It’s a testament to what we can achieve together,” Espenhain added. “We secured this future, and while the RDKB’s conditions are challenging, this community’s spirit is undeniable. With new recruits ready and a robust support network, we are ready to meet these conditions and make Station 373 a shining example of a resilient, community-supported fire service.”
The Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group thanks the RDKB Directors for their thoughtful consideration and for heeding the community’s overwhelming voice.
The East End Services Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A recording of today’s meeting is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ9BGMxrOAY. The full meeting agenda, including staff report, the conditional operation plan, and community correspondence, is available at https://rdkb.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=188624.
Previous coverage:
Jubilation erupted in Genelle today as the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary’s (RDKB) East End Services Committee unanimously voted to reverse its previous decision and keep Genelle Fire Station 373 open. This hard-fought victory, a direct result of three months of relentless community mobilization, means the station will continue to serve, albeit under a conditional operation plan set forth by the RDKB.
The decision followed an extraordinary display of dedication by the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group and hundreds of residents. Their powerful case was built on a 450-signature petition, 281 letters of support from Genelle’s ~760 residents, and a successful recruitment drive that saw over two dozen residents commit to apply to join the local fire station.
“This is an incredible moment for Genelle! The power of our united community has been heard loud and clear,” exclaimed Andrew Espenhain, spokesperson for the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group. “For three months, residents poured their hearts and energy into saving our fire hall. Today, we celebrate that our voices and efforts have triumphed. Genelle showed its true spirit, and we are immensely grateful to the Committee.”
While celebrating this achievement, the community now focuses on the RDKB’s conditional operation plan for Station 373. This RDKB-established framework outlines stringent requirements, including achieving 15 firefighters by Sept. 1, 2025, consistently providing response, and maintaining at least 10 active firefighters to avoid potential renewed closure discussions if benchmarks are missed. These conditions present the next challenge for ensuring the station’s long-term success.
“This victory belongs to everyone in Genelle who fought for our fire hall. It’s a testament to what we can achieve together,” Espenhain added. “We secured this future, and while the RDKB’s conditions are challenging, this community’s spirit is undeniable. With new recruits ready and a robust support network, we are ready to meet these conditions and make Station 373 a shining example of a resilient, community-supported fire service.”
The Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group thanks the RDKB Directors for their thoughtful consideration and for heeding the community’s overwhelming voice.
The East End Services Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A recording of today’s meeting is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ9BGMxrOAY. The full meeting agenda, including staff report, the conditional operation plan, and community correspondence, is available at https://rdkb.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=188624.
Previous coverage:
The February shock of Genelle’s fire station closure announcement has ignited an extraordinary grassroots movement fueled by resilience. On the eve of a pivotal RDKB East End Services Committee vote, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group and hundreds of unified residents make their heartfelt, evidence-backed plea: Genelle has risen to the challenge, and its vital fire station deserves a future.
Andrew Espenhain, spokesperson for the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group, described the potential closure as a “blow to our community’s security and identity.” He noted that while initial frustration was high, it transformed into a collective resolve. Through town hall meetings, email campaigns, social media, and door-to-door canvassing, the community came together to forge a solution, educating neighbours on the value of their local fire service and offering opportunities to be part of that solution.
This community-driven campaign has yielded compelling results. An initial petition with 450 signatures, acknowledged by the RDKB in March, signaled deep local concern. Subsequently, 281 letters of support—a remarkable wave of advocacy from Genelle’s ~760 residents (2021 census)—were submitted, referenced in tomorrow’s RDKB meeting agenda (rdkb.civicweb.net). Espenhain emphasized that these numbers represent “Genelle’s collective voice speaking for its future.” The Advisory Group also secured formal commitments from over two dozen residents eager to apply as volunteer firefighters, ready to combine with the 5 existing members to revitalize Station 373 and has built a robust support network to ensure the station thrives.
Losing Station 373 means stark implications: longer emergency response times and the severe financial burden of escalating property insurance. RDKB documentation indicates an expected insurance downgrade to DPG 5 (“No Fire Insurance Grade Recognized”), devastating for homeowners and businesses by potentially doubling or tripling property insurance rates.
The Advisory Group has offered constructive amendments to the RDKB’s proposed Conditional Operation Plan. This proactive approach and community commitment align with RDKB criteria for viable services, like “Broad community/local area approval” and “clear support of the resident ratepayers.” Espenhain noted, “We believe the strategies we’ve employed could become a model for other communities facing similar recruitment struggles.”
The community has forged a clear path forward, acknowledging past challenges, and now has renewed interest in volunteer applications and unwavering local support. “This is about our families’ safety, affordable homes, and Genelle’s enduring spirit,” Espenhain stated with conviction. “We’ve poured our hearts into this, showing tangible results.”
Referencing the RDKB’s mission to be “responsive and adaptable,” the Advisory Group is asking for that adaptability now. They earnestly ask the Directors to consider three things: the financial impact on residents, the incredible commitment Genelle has demonstrated, and that they listen to what their residents are asking for. “Vote YES—for Genelle’s resilience and future,” Espenhain urged.
Keeping Station 373 operational allows the RDKB to embody its mission: providing vital services, promoting community sustainability, and being responsive and adaptable to residents’ needs.
The East End Services Committee meets Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Watch online: https://tinyurl.com/bdfy42yz. Full agenda, including staff report and community correspondence: https://rdkb.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/?preview=188624.
About the Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group: The Genelle Fire Service Advisory Group: a grassroots collective of concerned residents, including former fire service members and community volunteers, dedicated to the continued operation and success of Genelle Fire Station (Station 373) through community engagement and RDKB collaboration.
