Lake Country’s paid-on-call firefighters could see a steady boost in their paycheques and a small bonus to help cover the cost of using their personal phones for work.
Council is being asked to approve a new compensation policy that would raise hourly wages for all paid-on-call (POC) firefighters starting in July, with more increases set for 2026 and 2027.
A staff report says it’s part of an effort to stay competitive with other communities in the Okanagan and recognize the time and dedication of part-time firefighters.
If approved, and depending on their positions, firefighters would see their hourly rate rise from between $18.75 to $27 in July, and increasing to between $23 and $29 an hour by 2027.
District of Lake Country
The proposed policy also sets clearer rules for how firefighters are paid during emergency callouts. Each POC member would earn a minimum of two hours’ pay for an initial callout.
Rates for wildfire deployments through BC Wildfire Services are handled separately by the province and remain at $56 per hour.
Alongside the pay raises, the district is also introducing a new $100 annual stipend for firefighters who use their personal smartphones for work-related duties, something many already do.
This stipend doesn’t require council approval because it’s considered an administrative update to an existing policy. It would apply to roughly 70 eligible fire department staff.
If the policy is adopted, it will add an estimated $33,000 to the fire department’s operating budget in 2025, followed by $26,000 more in both 2026 and 2027.
Council is expected to review and vote on the proposal at its July 8 meeting.