The City of Courtenay has awarded the design contract for the new East Courtenay Fire Hall.

The new facility will be located at 220 Waters Place on the existing fire department training grounds.

Planning and design work are now underway, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and completed in 2027.

The City says the project will help the Courtenay Fire Department keep pace with growth, improve response times, and expand volunteer firefighter capacity.

Courtenay is projected to add more than 4,500 residents and 2,900 homes by 2031, much of it in East Courtenay - the area furthest from the existing downtown fire hall.

Fire Chief Kurt MacDonald says the project marks an important step in strengthening fire protection and emergency response for Courtenay’s growing east side.

The new fire hall will include two large drive-through bays for fire trucks, with space for a third in the future, training and office areas, rest and dorm rooms for current and future firefighters on shift, and a specialized cleaning area to remove smoke and contaminants from gear and equipment.

The City says it will lead to improved emergency response times for residents east of the Courtenay River, strengthen the city’s overall emergency preparedness by adding a second facility on higher ground, and support recruitment of new volunteer firefighters from the east side.

More information can be found at City of Courtenay.