The Columbia Shuswap Regional District voted to approve a new interim financing plan for the rebuilding of the new Scotch Creek and Lee Creek Fire Hall to stay on schedule.
The new Fire Hall will be located at 1435 Beatty Road in Scotch Creek. The steel structure will include space for fire trucks, gear storage and a training room, which could be used for community events. Construction on the project will start this fall with completion expected in 2026.
The cost of construction and design have increased due to many factors including development at the new location, enhancements to the new building, along with inflation.
The estimated cost for the rebuild has jumped to $5.6 million from $3.3 million.
In order to proceed with the rebuild the CSRD Board approved a short-term borrowing plan. This involves taking money from the capital reserve funds for the Anglemont Water System, the CSRD Administration Building and the Area F Community Parks fund.
“This is really about timing, it’s about getting some shovels in the ground as soon as we can,” said Jay Simpson, Electoral Area F Director.
“The delay to go through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) and public assent is challenging. I appreciate that we’ve been creative in this way. I hate the number but obviously we don’t have a choice,” he added.
The plan is to eventually switch to long-term borrowing which would repay the $3 million borrowed from capital reserves. This internal loan would also cover the cost of building a new fire hall in Anglemont, as doing both projects concurrently would save money.
“It’s important to know that we are not building anything extravagant. Keeping the costs low, while still satisfying the needs of the fire department and the desire for a continued community space is always top of mind,” said Derek Sutherland, General Manager, Community and Protective Services.
In consideration to taxpayers, the CSRD has applied for extra funding, including Disaster Financial Assistance, grants and help from the Provincial Recovery Team. Reassessment of the value of the old fire hall was also requested.
On Aug 21, the CSRD Board also approved an application to the UBCM Strategic Priorities Fund to support the fire hall project.
If voters reject the long-term borrowing plan, the new fire hall project would be put on hold until substantial funding is found, along with local taxpayers in Area F having to repay the $3 million from reserves over five years.
