Construction is set to get underway next week on a major upgrade to the Comox fire station, as the town moves ahead with plans to modernize the aging facility.

Comox council has approved the project, pending final confirmation that costs stay within the approved budget.

The current fire hall, built in 1977, is nearly 50 years old and no longer meets the needs of a growing community.

The upgrade is aimed at improving emergency response capabilities while preparing the department for future demand.

The project is now estimated to cost about $5.9 million, down slightly from earlier projections.

A contingency has been built in to account for potential changes during construction.

As a shared service, the cost will be split, with the Town of Comox covering two-thirds and the Comox Fire Protection District responsible for the remaining one-third.

Additional funding is expected to come from development cost charges and a $50,000 contribution from the Comox Fire Association.

Meanwhile, a $5 million federal grant application is still under review.

Without that funding, the town says the project could result in a 2.1 percent tax increase starting in 2028, which works out to be about $33 per household.

Plans for the upgraded station include meeting post-disaster standards, allowing it to serve as an emergency operations centre if needed.

The building will also feature improved health and safety areas for firefighters, expanded training and office space, and accessible design elements throughout.

Five on-site lodging units are also planned to support faster overnight response times.

The new facility will operate on electricity, with plans to add solar panels in the future.

During construction, emergency response services will remain in place. Administrative services will be temporarily relocated to an office behind the station on Noel Avenue.

The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027.

For more information, visit Town of Comox.