SAR groups suggest surcharges on licences, tickets
Posted September 16, 2013 10:18 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – As more people get out to enjoy our back country, search and rescue crews are more strained for resources than ever before.
A proposed new funding model could see surcharges on everything from hunting and fishing licenses to lift tickets.
The BC Search and Rescue Association is asking Victoria for more money for the province’s busy volunteer teams. After a two year review of the system, the association has submitted its recommendations to the justice minister, including how to raise the cash.
Ideas include tacking on a surcharge to things like provincial park camping fees, commercial recreation licences, fishing licences, and alpine ski-lift tickets. There’s also talk of snowmobile and ATV registration.
The idea of recovering costs from the people rescued has also been raised, but SAR teams worry charging a fee or fine might discourage them from calling for help.
