The City of Courtenay says the new East Courtenay Fire Hall is moving ahead, with key milestones reached at the start of the year.

In January, the City awarded the construction contract to Kinetic Construction.

The company will work alongside Sahuri Architecture to finalize the facility’s design, improve construction efficiency, and prepare the project for the building stage.

This week, the project reached the 50-percent design milestone. Updated renderings have also been released, showing the latest look for the new fire hall.

Construction is expected to begin later this summer or in the fall.

Mayor Bob Wells says the new hall will strengthen public safety by improving emergency preparedness and helping reduce response times for current and future residents.

He says the progress is welcome news for people living and working on the east side of Courtenay, as well as for the volunteer firefighters who serve the community.

The new fire hall will be built at 220 Waters Place. Plans include two double-length drive-through apparatus bays, space for administration and crew support, a dormitory, health and wellness area, training room, washrooms, locker space, and a decontamination area.

The design is based on a recently completed fire hall in Dashwood within the Regional District of Nanaimo, allowing for efficiencies in the process.

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.

The additional location is also expected to increase the number of volunteer firefighters, from 55 to 67, by making it easier for east-side residents to serve.

Residents can view the latest renderings and follow project updates at City of Courtenay.