City of Powell River is seeking individuals wanting to contribute to the process of developing a new emergency services facility.
The city has opened the public application process for individuals interested in being on the emergency services facility advisory committee.
The new facility, to replace the aging fire hall, is the next major priority for the city. The select committee will play a critical role in providing advice to city council on concept designs; making recommendations on funding strategies and approval processes for the project; identifying potential future community benefits and coordinating opportunities to provide the public with information and gather feedback.
“This will be a big decision for the city,” said fire chief Terry Peters. “Public involvement is extremely important to determining our future needs in emergency preparedness. Particularly pertinent is input on the proposed emergency services facility.
“This committee process will help in providing council and residents with necessary information for an informed vote if the process goes to a possible public referendum to pay for construction costs of the facility.”
Peters said it was recognized 23 years ago that emergency services needed to be in a larger facility to fit the community’s requirements.
“We need the kind of facility that is going to bring us into the future,” said Peters. “It was recognized 23 years ago that we were in the wrong location in Cranberry and moved into this hall and realized this was not suitable for our needs.
“We’ve been very good in living with a facility that we struggle with. We’re trying to get to a point of how can we best serve our community.”
Peters said this new facility is not about the fire department, it’s about the community itself, in protecting the community and giving the best options no matter what the situation. He said the new facility would provide the fire department with the best chance to protect people.
“We are the catch-all for everything,” said Peters.
He said he is excited about getting the community involved.
“This is the community’s emergency services facility,” said Peters. “It takes it way beyond a fire hall. It’s going to be the hub of where all emergency services are going to happen.
“We’re taxed where we are. A lot of emergency operations are in a little trailer sitting in the back of the fire hall, and in the back of the regional district office in plastic tubs. We don’t actually have a hub.”
Community engagement is crucially important. Peters said he wants to ensure every question is answered. If the new emergency services facility ends up in referendum, people need to have an educated vote, he added.
“It’s vitally important that we get the message out, that the community understands what the real needs are and the concept of what is required in the community, and what is going to bring us into the future,” said Peters.
According to a news release from City of Powell River, the emergency services facility will be located on Barnet Street beside the Powell River RCMP detachment.
Council will approve and appoint eight members who are Powell River residents and/or property owners. The protective services portfolio holder on council, which is currently Maggie Hathaway, will also be on the committee.
“As portfolio holder for protective services I am pleased the city is seeking public participation in moving forward with a new emergency services facility,” said Hathaway. “We’re looking for a diverse membership with knowledge and commitment to the future of our community.”
The committee membership will be balanced, with a focus on demonstrated community involvement, professional qualifications in fire and emergency service, and experience in building and development.
Powell River residents and/or property owners with the appropriate skill sets can apply online, at city hall, by mail or email.
The deadline to apply is 4 pm, Friday, September 20, 2019. The committee term will expire December 31, 2020.
More details on applying for the emergency services facility advisory committee, including the application form, terms of reference and frequently asked questions, can be found at powellriver.ca/online-forms/emergency-facility-committee-application.
