The Northern Rockies special regional council unanimously decided to purchase the Cameron Building in Fort Nelson for the region’s new fire hall.
Scott Barry, the municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer, said moving the fire hall has been on their radar for years.
The current facility, in Fort Nelson, is shared with public works and both groups have insufficient space, according to the municipality’s report. Incoming new equipment, including a new fire truck, will push the already-cramped space to its limit.
The report recommended the council choose one of three options.
The first suggestion was to build a new one-storey fire hall on a standalone site. The facility would include a post-disaster concrete and steel frame, and construction would cost about $24 million.
The second idea was to update the current shared facility to meet life safety standards.
“(Firefighters would) take up space that isn’t available,” said Barry, describing this option to council. The current building would require significant upgrades, to the tune of about $21 million, to meet the fire safety code.
The third option, which was selected, was to purchase and renovate the Cameron Building for $5.7 million.
During a previous wildfire, the B.C. Wildfire Service recommended the Cameron Building as a safer option for firefighters – who must stay close to the community in emergency situations.
After the special council vote, it was decided that a communication plan and community presentation be arranged to answer the public’s burning questions.
