Plans to build a replacement fire hall in Qualicum Beach for the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department have been approved.
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) says two new bylaws establish a fire protection service area and authorize the RDN to borrow up to $4-million to finance the project.
“The RDN has worked closely with the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department to develop a functional and cost-effective fire hall plan,” said Chair Ian Thorpe.
“The new fire hall will serve to reinforce the safety of our communities.”
A description of the project on the RDN website says “The new hall will be built to meet current building and seismic standards. It will provide an improved layout and use of space for training and maintaining equipment.” The layout includes:
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- two drive through bays that can hold four pieces of apparatus
- a public entrance with an administration area
- separate areas for radio communications, IT, mechanical, electrical, sprinklers, gear, storage, training, offices and laundry which are all non existent in the current fire station
- two multi use washrooms and gear/equipment decontamination areas
- a workshop
- a self contained breathing apparatus refill/drying room (SCBA) and compressor room
In 2012, an assessment of the current fire hall outlined the potential seismic risks and upgrade solutions. It was determined it would be less expensive to build a new hall than to retrofit and renovae the existing one.
“We are pleased to have a supportive community, and we are so proud to serve you,” said Dashwood Fire Chief Nick Acciavatti.
The RDN says the conceptual fire hall plan also considers future growth and has been designed to permit for the expansion of the hall to include an additional bay that can house two more pieces of apparatus.
The Dashwood Fire Department was started in 1984 by a group of people concerned about the lack of fire protection in the area. The current fire hall is home to two full time employees, two part time employees and up to 40 volunteers.
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