District of Invermere council January 27 adopted Bylaw No. 1678, which creates a Policing Transition Reserve Fund in preparation for when the municipality’s population surpasses 5,000.

In British Columbia, once a community’s population exceeds 5,000 residents, the municipality becomes responsible for paying for its own policing services, as required under the Police Act.

“Invermere is steadily growing, and while we aren’t past the 5,000 mark yet, we know this change is coming in the future,” the district noted on social media.

“This reserve fund allows the district to start saving now to prepare for those new costs.”

Money in the fund can be used for:

• Invermere’s share of policing costs once it passes 5,000 population;

• Planning and preparation for the transition;

• Equipment, facilities, and other costs related to providing municipal police services;

Council may contribute up to $500,000 per year to the fund.

The district said the fund will protect taxpayers by planning ahead to avoid sudden large tax increases when policing responsibility shifts.

“Building this reserve now ensures Invermere can make informed decisions and maintain strong community safety,” the district said, adding, “Saving early reduces financial pressure later and helps us prepare for anticipated growth.”

If you have questions about the bylaw or the policing transition process, feel free to reach out to the district office.

The district’s population as per 2021 census is 3,917, a 15.5% growth rate from the 2016 census.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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