Foundation work is now well underway at the site of Courtenay’s new satellite fire hall in the eastern part of the city.

Construction began this summer at 220 Waters Place, near Lerwick and Ryan roads, on the site of the City’s existing fire-training grounds.

The facility is intended to help the Courtenay Fire Department keep pace with continued community growth and respond more quickly to emergencies east of the Courtenay River.

The City expects Courtenay to add more than 4,500 residents and 2,900 homes by 2031, with much of that development occurring farther from the existing downtown fire hall.

The new station will complement—not replace—the downtown facility. It will also allow the department to increase its volunteer-firefighter capacity from 55 to 67 members.

Plans include two drive-through bays for fire trucks, with space to add a third in the future, as well as sleeping quarters, a wellness room and a dedicated decontamination area.

The building is being constructed to post-disaster standards under the B.C. Building Code and the highest required seismic standards. That will allow it to remain operational and serve as a backup emergency facility following a major earthquake, flood or other disaster.

The all-electric building is expected to produce 88 per cent fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than a conventional facility of a similar size.

Construction is estimated to cost $14 million. The City continues to pursue grant opportunities that could reduce the amount financed through municipal borrowing.

For more updates as construction moves ahead, visit City of Courtenay.