RDEK Seeks Community Input on Hosmer Fire Hall Project
Following the November 13 meeting in Hosmer where the RDEK presented the findings of a series of assessment reports on the current Hosmer Fire Hall and options to address required upgrades, the RDEK is seeking the community’s feedback.
“I put a pause on this project so that we could receive an assessment on the current condition of the hall, and have an independent assessment done of options to consider to ensure the fire hall is able to safely house our valued firefighters and their required equipment,” explains Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “Further, we wanted to ensure that after all of the information was shared with the community, we provided a forum for the community to ask questions, review the reports, and provide their input prior to any decisions being made by the Board on when or how to move forward.”
Two additional truck bays are required as part of the upgrades. During the meeting, staff reviewed five separate options that were identified both through the assessment process and by the community in previous meetings. These options were more fully explored for viability through the assessment reports:
Leave the hall as is where it is – this is not a viable option as upgrades are required to keep the fire hall functioning and provide health and safety requirements for our firefighters
Expand the existing hall
Renovate the existing hall and add a separate two bay building
Tear down existing building (which includes the fire hall and community hall) and rebuild a new fire hall on the existing site
Build a new fire hall at a new location
“When I was elected, this process was already underway and, like many residents in Hosmer, I felt I needed more information and a better understanding of the needs and current conditions of the hall before moving any further. That is what the last year has involved: looking into a wide range of options, and once we felt like we had enough information, taking it out to the community so they could review it and share their input,” adds McDonald.
A comment form, the presentation from the Information Meeting, and copies of all of the assessments are now available on the project page: https://engage.rdek.bc.ca/hosmerfirehall.
Residents will have four weeks to provide input with the comment period set to close December 17. Anyone without access to a computer can reach out to the Communications Department at the RDEK to request a hard copy of the comment form or complete a form via phone.
“My goal was to bring this information back to the community and to listen. We opened the fire hall for walk throughs, RDEK staff presented a summary of the findings and options, all of the detailed information is available, and no decision has yet been made,” stresses McDonald. “One thing that we heard loud and clear during the information meeting was how much the community treasures its Community Hall and that it’s important it not be lost no matter what happens with the fire hall. It was good to hear that passion, and I appreciate every person who took the time to come out and participate in the process. I hope the entire community continues to participate by reviewing the information and sharing their comments over the coming month”
Feedback received will be shared with the RDEK Board for its consideration. A report will be prepared for the Board to select an option in the new year.
