ROAD RESCUE COMPENSATION (2025)

Issue

The lack of compensation for road rescue services in rural areas creates an unsustainable burden on volunteer organizations, jeopardizing response times and the efficacy of emergency services. While it's impossible to assign a specific monetary value, the economic repercussions of road closures in rural communities are significant and undeniable. Trucks drive our economy, literally. Extended road closures disrupt the flow of goods and people across our province, leading to financial losses for businesses and increased costs to customers and, potentially, compromising livelihoods.

Acknowledging this impact underscores the urgent need for adequate support and compensation for road rescue services, as their timely response is essential, not only for saving lives but also for maintaining the economic vitality of the province, especially in rural areas. Investing in these services is crucial for ensuring community resilience during emergencies. As communities face increasing demands without adequate support or funding, it becomes crucial to find a way to implement a fair compensation model that acknowledges the vital role volunteers play, and by extension, their employers or employees, who have to leave work to respond to highway accidents.

Background

There are approximately 300,000 motor vehicle accidents in BC every year.[1] Most occur within response areas where, if necessary, fire, police and ambulance respond. Approximately 2,000 of those accidents occur outside of response areas. In these situations, about 150 fire departments voluntarily respond with apparatus, equipment, and personnel. In addition, many communities have developed road rescue societies, and some search and rescue groups have added road rescue to their skills.[2]

The bustling nature of our roads and highways is critical not only for business supply chains but also for attracting tourists and their financial contributions to local economies. Therefore, having well-trained road rescue services and response teams is essential for ensuring the safety of individuals involved in accidents. Prompt and effective emergency responses not only protect lives but also help maintain the flow of traffic and commerce, preserving the vitality of communities reliant on both economic activity and tourism. Investing in these services is not just a matter of safety; it’s an investment in the community's overall economic health and resilience.

Many communities, like Sicamous,[3] are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who selflessly respond to road rescue situations, often crossing outside municipal boundaries to safeguard public safety. However, the commitment to providing these vital services extends far beyond just responding to incidents; it encompasses the significant investment of countless hours spent in training and preparation, as well as the ongoing costs associated with equipment and operations. Acknowledging and supporting these efforts is crucial, as it ensures that volunteers are adequately equipped and trained, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of road rescue services and reinforcing the safety and well-being of the entire community.

Rural communities heavily depend on volunteers for roadside rescue services, but the financial burden of leaving work can deter individuals from stepping up, leading to a shortage of available personnel. This potential loss of earnings can discourage volunteers from participating and employers from allowing their employees to leave the work site, especially when they are also tasked with the need for ongoing training and emotional support after responding to incidents. Addressing these challenges is critical; providing compensation or incentives for volunteers, along with necessary training and mental health resources, can foster a more resilient volunteer base and ensure continued effective emergency response in rural areas.  By fostering a culture of volunteerism and supporting their staff's involvement in such vital roles, business owners can help safeguard their operations, maintain customer trust, and contribute to the overall resilience of the community's economy.

A provincially funded, sustainable compensation for road rescue providers would ensure that responders (municipalities or external non-profit societies) have the necessary resources to continue protecting lives. Such a funding model should comprehensively address training expenses, equipment upgrades and operational costs, ensuring equitable support across jurisdictions. By alleviating financial pressures on local governments and rescue organizations, this model would enhance response capabilities and improve safety outcomes for all road users.

In rural communities, the relationship between road rescue services and local businesses is deeply interconnected, as road closures resulting from accidents can have profound economic implications alongside the tragic impact on human life. When supplies and staff are delayed due to blocked roads, businesses may struggle to operate effectively, leading to financial losses and potential staffing shortages. Additionally, an influx of visitors during peak times can overwhelm local resources, creating challenges for accommodation and food services. Importantly, many incidents involve non-residents, yet local taxpayers bear the financial burden of funding, upwards of 50% in some cases, for the emergency services required to address these situations. While community support for these essential services is unwavering, it's vital to recognize that these costs ultimately impact the economic health and sustainability of rural areas. Addressing funding and support for road rescue services is not just a matter of public safety; it is also essential for protecting the economic vitality of the community where we all live, work, and play.

As road traffic continues to increase daily, communities are actively exploring options to enhance roadside services. In 2024, the BC Government allocated only $335[4] per hour for road rescue apparatus, a figure that falls significantly short of covering the actual costs incurred by these vital services. Local Governments across the province have also been advocating for a more equitable provincial approach to financing and supporting road rescue operations, this includes, the Bulkley-Nechako Regional District, the Village of Chase, and the District of Barriere as a few examples.[5]

These collective efforts highlight the urgent need for a structured, province-wide solution to address the growing demands on road rescue services. The statistics speak for themselves: ICBC reported[6] 41,291 vehicle crashes in the Southern Interior in 2023 alone, with 5,818 of those resulting in casualties. This alarming data reinforces the critical importance of ensuring that our road rescue services are adequately funded and equipped to respond effectively to this increasing number of incidents. A comprehensive funding strategy is essential for the safety and well-being of our communities, and we urge the provincial government to take immediate action toward establishing a fair and consistent support system for road rescue services across British Columbia.

THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS

That the Provincial Government:

1. Establish a Sustainable Funding Model for Roadside Rescue Services for rural communities to compensate providers for their response efforts, training, equipment maintenance, and operational costs.