The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has opened an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on the future of Hosmer’s Fire Hall.
On Nov 13, the RDEK presented the findings of several assessments on the current fire hall and options to address needed upgrades, including two additional truck bays.
“I put a pause on this project so that we could receive an assessment on the current condition of the hall, and have an independent assessment done of options to consider to ensure the fire hall is able to safely house our valued firefighters and their required equipment,” said Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald.
“We wanted to ensure that after all of the information was shared with the community, we provided a forum for the community to ask questions, review the reports, and provide their input prior to any decisions being made by the Board on when or how to move forward.”
RDEK officials say staff reviewed five separate options that were identified through the assessment process:
- Leave the hall as is – RDEK officials say this is not a viable option as upgrades are required to keep the fire hall functioning.
- Expand the existing hall.
- Renovate the existing hall and add a separate two-bay building.
- Tear down the existing building, which includes the fire hall and community hall, and rebuild a new fire hall on the same site.
- Build a new fire hall at a new location.
Assessments found several other problems as well, including septic system issues, a frequently frozen water line, limited space and electrical issues creating a potential fire hazard.
“When I was elected, this process was already underway and, like many residents in Hosmer, I felt I needed more information and a better understanding of the needs and current conditions of the hall before moving any further,” said McDonald.
“That is what the last year has involved: looking into a wide range of options, and once we felt like we had enough information, taking it out to the community so they could review it and share their input.”
McDonald says Hosmer residents have a deep connection with the building, as it also functions as a public gathering space.
“One thing that we heard loud and clear during the information meeting was how much the community treasures its Community Hall and that it’s important it not be lost no matter what happens with the fire hall,” said McDonald.
“It was good to hear that passion, and I appreciate every person
who took the time to come out and participate in the process.”
Public comment is open until December 17 and you can access forms here or by contacting the RDEK’s Communications Department.
“My goal was to bring this information back to the community and to listen. We opened the fire hall for walk-throughs, RDEK staff presented a summary of the findings and options, all of the detailed information is available, and no decision has yet been made,” said McDonald.
Feedback will be shared with the RDEK Board of Directors and a report detailing the preferred option will be prepared in the new year.
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