Coldstream chooses city services -- By Jennifer Smith

Despite a lower rate from another investigator, Coldstream has opted to stick with fire investigation services from Vernon.

The City of Vernon was up against the North Okanagan Fire Investigation Service for Coldstream’s fire investigation contract.

A recommendation from Coldstream staff was to award the contract to North Okanagan Fire Prevention Service.

“Their proposal provided more certainty than that of the City of Vernon at a slightly lower hourly rate,” said Michael Stamhuis, chief administrative officer, in a report to council. “However, it should be noted that either choice will result in an excellent level of service.”

Therefore a three-year contract has been awarded to the City of Vernon, whose service is provided by investigator Lawrie Skolrood.

“For me anyway, the expertise of Mr. Skolrood is well known,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane, who voted against the staff recommendation.

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