BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) is changing its name to better reflect the emergency services it provides across the region.

During the October 13 Town of Bonnyville Council meeting, Fire Chief Darren Sandbeck presented a request to change the organization’s legal name to the Bonnyville Regional Emergency Services Authority.

Town Council approved the request, with Sandbeck confirming that the M.D. of Bonnyville had also approved the change earlier that day.

More than just fire services

The BRFA has grown beyond what its original name suggests.

In addition to fire protection, the organization handles wildland firefighting, advanced rescue operations, regional emergency medical services (EMS), and emergency communications.

Sandbeck told council the name change isn’t about introducing new services. It’s about ensuring the organization’s identity accurately reflects the work it already does.

“It’s really about operational honesty,” Sandbeck told council.

“The current name no longer reflects everything that we do on a daily basis.”

The new name would bring the organization’s fire, rescue, EMS and emergency communications responsibilities together under one identity.

What will the change cost?

While changing an organization’s name can be expensive, Sandbeck said the BRFA plans to keep costs down by making updates gradually.

Uniforms won’t be replaced simply because of the name change. Instead, the BRFA will introduce updated crests as uniforms are replaced through regular purchasing cycles.

The same approach will apply to emergency vehicles, with updated decals estimated to cost approximately $50 to $60 per apparatus.

Sandbeck said the largest anticipated expense would likely be replacing signage at the Northstar building.

By phasing in the changes, the organization hopes to avoid unnecessary spending while transitioning to its new identity.

Recognizing the organization’s history

The discussion also recognized the late Councillor McAvoy, who was remembered for his role in establishing the regional fire authority and his support for the organization.

The Town and M.D. of Bonnyville created the BRFA through regional cooperation, bringing emergency services together under a shared authority.

While its name is changing, the organization will continue serving communities throughout the region.

With both municipal councils supporting the request, the next step is completing the administrative process to formally register the new legal name.

For residents, the change is primarily one of identity, recognizing that the organization responsible for responding to emergencies across the Bonnyville region does much more than fight fires.