The new fire hall project on Salt Spring Island is making steady progress and remains on schedule and within budget as of July 31, 2023, according to the Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District, also known as Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue (SSIFR).
Despite financial constraints, including the rapid rise of chartered bank interest rates since 2022, SSIFR is confident that the project remains within the stipulated referendum limit of $9.7 million for borrowing.
There are many stages involved in managing the construction of a new firehall to enhance safety and emergency response capabilities for our community. Some of the stages already completed include hiring a construction manager and architect, announced in March 2023. Ongoing steps include signing off on final drawings, securing final price estimates for construction, obtaining the building permit, site preparation, and preparing for the construction tendering process.
Since its launch in January 2023, the new Fire Hall project has made consistent advancements. As the owner’s representative on the project, Hans Hazenboom noted, “Final working drawings are approaching completion, and these drawings are crucial to finetune final pricing. Building permits will be sought once those drawings are finalized, and then the construction tendering process can begin.”
As Rodney Dieleman, Chief Administrative Officer of SSIFR, explained, “Our proactive approach to risk management has allowed us to address potential challenges effectively.” He added, “The project steering committee has been working closely with partners, including the adjacent property owners and other Island services, to keep the project on track and on
budget.”
The project steering committee is now in the final stages of design collaboration with the architect. Once approved, the architect will secure the building permit, while the construction manager initiates the tendering process. The property site, on Lower Ganges Road at Atkins Road, has been surveyed and staked, and further land preparation is also on the horizon, involving topsoil removal and storage.
Keeping the community informed and engaged remains a top priority as the project continues to advance. To engage and inform residents, the fire district will be holding a Town Hall event on September 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Gospel Church, 147 Vesuvius Bay Road. This event will feature presentations about progress on the new fire hall project, the draft 2024 budget, and the new draft five-year strategic plan. Guests will be able to ask questions of CAO Dieleman, Board Chair Cook, Chief Holmes and key project coordinators.
