The City of West Kelowna has found a location for the replacement of Fire Hall #32 in the Lakeview Heights neighbourhood.
The city has been working to replace the fire hall for more than a decade as the 52-year-old building has exceeded its lifespan.
In addition to being five decades old, the fire hall was too small to house fire apparatus, did not have sufficient storage for post-fire hazardous turnout gear and firefighters and equipment had to sometimes be housed in temporary portables or even tents.
Fortunately, the city didn’t have to look too far for a new site for the future upgraded building.
A staff report says 860 Anders Road was chosen because it wouldn’t divert any level of protection from houses close to the existing site on Olalla Road, which is only about 120 metres away.
“This City-owned site provides for colocation of the new fire hall along with maintaining park space and amenities that the community would continue to enjoy,” says the staff report.
Previously, the city had chosen a site on Harmon Road, however, it has been deemed “unsuitable for the function of a strictly operational Fire Hall #32.”
Next steps will see city staff bring forward details on the project description, scope and budget estimates and a concept design.
At this time, no details have bene provided about how the future fire hall would impact operations at the Lakeview Heights Community Centre.
West Kelowna will be presented with this information on Tuesday.
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