‘It means everything to us’: New Arrowsmith Search and Rescue hall officially opens

A mid-Island search and rescue organization officially opened its new headquarters Saturday.

Construction on Arrowsmith Search and Rescue’s new $1.5 million facility began during COVID and the price tag doubled. Community and government support made the new home a reality.

The large operations centre is located beside the Qualicum Beach Airport and boasts a six-bay pull-through main hall with a high ceiling that can be used for rope rescue training.

The building includes offices, a control room, a kitchen and classroom facilities.

“It means everything to us. I think the biggest thing is us having a home and a place to store our equipment,” said Arrowsmith SAR president Nick Rivers. “It is really the first step in our next chapter so now we’re really able to build and grow and serve the community to a new level that they’ve never seen before.”

Arrowsmith SAR was established over 50 years ago and used to share a building with the Coombs Fire Department.

The occasion was also used to present long-time member Ken Neden with a custom-made pin recognizing over 45 years of service.

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