Plans for new joint KSAR-KFR facility in Rayleigh move ahead following TNRD support

Preliminary drawings show the facility will have five equipment bays for KSAR and two for KFR. There will also be training room, kitchen, board room, office, locker room, washrooms as well as laundry and storage space.

Draft floor plan for proposed new KSAR-KFR facility in Rayleigh. (Image Credit: TNRD)

KSAR President Paula Davies said the organization is likely able to contribute around $1.9 million towards this project, most of which – around $1.4 million – is expected to come from a yet to be launched fundraising campaign.

“Before we begin our capital fundraising campaign, we do require firm support from the City and the TNRD,” Davies said, during the July 17 TNRD meeting.

Davies also said KSAR already has $500,000 set aside for this new facility, which will replace its current location on Mission Flats Road in Kamloops.

“We are literally bursting at the seams,” Davies added. “Our fleet vehicles do not all fit in the hall anymore and we have a sea can full of our seasonal rolling stock. We have no training space, we have no classroom space, and we’ve been vandalized, and so we really are in need of a new home.”

While KSAR’s lease for its Mission Flats location expired in January this year, Davies previously told CFJC Today that the City of Kamloops will allow them to remain in place until its new headquarters is ready.

TNRD, City to shoulder burden of costs

The City of Kamloops is expected to put up at least $2.4 million to cover the costs of building the new fire station in Rayleigh which will replace the existing fire station located next to the Tolko Mill.

According to a TNRD staff report, the City of Kamloops does not anticipate borrowing money to fund its share of the costs.

While Kamloops Council has not yet formally approved the project, and its not clear when that may go to a vote, indications from councillors are that the city is in favour of the project.

“This has been a very long road for KSAR,” Kamloops Councillor Mike O’Reilly said Thursday. “That land was donated to the City of Kamloops for a fire hall by the Devick family and this to me is a perfect relationship that can help each other and provide the entire region the support that KSAR provides.”

“This is a regional facility and it will make the entire regional district a safer place to live, work, and recreate.”

The City of Kamloops will also be required to fund operating costs for the fire station, while the TNRD will fund capital and operating costs for the portion that will be used by KSAR – anticipated at around $5.7 million.

The TNRD’s share of the costs is expected to come via long-term debt, which would require a public assent process. Those costs are expected to be shared by all TNRD municipalities and Electoral Areas, including Kamloops.

Jamie Vieira, the TNRD’s General Manager of Operations, said while regional districts are not responsible for providing SAR services, all SAR organizations within the TNRD are given a base level of funding as well as additional grant funding.

He also noted the TNRD is proposing to fund this new facility through a new regional Search and Rescue service model.

“This is an opportunity for the TNRD to increase its involvement in supporting search and rescue to help address the critical infrastructure needs and support the important service,” Vieira said.

“It would mean that the TNRD would be taking on an additional responsibility beyond what our current involvement is.”

In the report, Vieira also noted that the Province does not provide “sustainable” funding to support the operational and capital needs of SAR teams “despite the important service they provide.”

Davies also echoed that lack of funding while asking TNRD directors to support the project, saying federal and provincial funding “does not meet the needs of SAR teams across Canada nor will it anytime in the near future.”

“Its appalling that senior levels of government don’t support this,” Kamloops Councillor Dale Bass added, while showering praise on KSAR which responded to a record 75 calls for service last year.

Bass is one of seven Kamloops councillors who also sits on the TNRD Board.

“We do this all free of charge, 24-hours a day, seven days a week,” Davies added of KSAR’s work, which can often extend beyond the TNRD boundaries through what’s called mutual-aid.

“KSAR provides a vital service to the community by rescuing people who are lost, injured and distressed in remote or inaccessible locations. We’re very highly skilled professionals and we will put our lives on hold and drop everything to help others.”

“We are an essential resource that the RCMP, BC Ambulance, and Kamloops Fire Rescue depends on. We go where no others will venture and are response ready every minute of the day.”

Vieira said the full breakdown of costs for KSAR, the TNRD, and the City will be more accurately determined once a final design and operating plan is completed. More information on tax implications and timelines is also expected to come in the near future.

“Tourism in Kamloops is rooted in community and fueled by adventure. It’s a central pillar of the city’s identity and economy,” Davies added.

“We’ve been doing this for 50 years and our presence has enhanced the safety for residents and visitors alike and we don’t want to jeopardize that.”

by Victor Kaisar

Plans for new joint KSAR-KFR facility in Rayleigh move ahead following TNRD support

TNRD, City to shoulder burden of costs

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