The City of Courtenay has provided an update on the development of the new East Courtenay fire hall.

The City says design is now 70 percent complete, with construction still on pace to begin this summer.

The new fire hall on Waters Place includes two double-length drive-through bays, space for administration and crew support, a dormitory, health and wellness area, training room, washrooms, locker space, and a decontamination area.

The City says Courtenay’s population is expected to grow by 4,500 residents and 2,900 homes by 2031, with much of that growth on the east side.

The new fire hall is intended to help maintain acceptable emergency response times, including the 10-minute standard often used for insurance purposes.

Project milestones will be shared in the future at City of Courtenay.