News Release - August 14, 2013

Qualicum Beach Fire Hall Working Group now underway

Info page on Town's website to keep residents updated throughout project

Qualicum Beach, BC– August 14, 2013 - The Town of Qualicum Beach reported out today on the initial two meetings of the Fire Hall Working Group held on July 15, 2013 and August 9, 2013 with Johnston Davidson Architecture + Planning Inc., and led by the Town's Fire Hall project manager and Working Group chairperson, Walter Hoogland.

The Working Group met to review and assess the needs of the proposed Fire Hall and welcomed three community members serving on the Working Group.

Fire Hall project spokesperson, Luke Sales, Director of Planning, stated that he was "pleased that the project planning phase is now underway" and encouraged residents to stay updated throughout the project on the Fire Hall 'info page' on the Town's website, www.qualicumbeach.com.

The Working Group will meet over the course of the next few months to continue the review of the design and costs, and plans to hold a public information meeting this fall.

To ensure that residents and stakeholders are kept informed on the progress for the new Fire Hall in Qualicum Beach, the following communication actions will take place:

• Bi-weekly updates posted to the Fire Hall Info Page on the Town¡¦s website (www.qualicumbeach.com) and Facebook page;
• Major announcements and project milestones announced via news releases;
• Email notice to the Town¡¦s distribution list in advance of any public meetings; and
• A large notification sign will be posted at the future site to communicate the basic conceptual elements of the Fire Hall and opportunities to stay informed and engaged.

• The Fire Hall Working Group is composed of Chairperson and Fire Hall Project Manager, Walter Hoogland, a Council liaison, four members of Town staff, a representative of the RCMP and three community members.
• Advisory persons to the Working Group include the architect appointed by Council, project contract engineers, and additional groups and agencies. A copy of the terms of reference can be referenced here.
• Council has directed staff to apply for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund grant program and at their August 12, 2013 Regular Council Meeting, approved the recommendation to apply for specific green targets including:
  • 75% energy reduction; 25% reduction in water use; the use of site-milled timber for construction and to explore further green options for design and construction.
• The architectural services contract for the proposed new Fire Hall project was awarded to Johnston-Davidson Architecture + Planning Inc. at the July 8, 2013 Regular Council Meeting.

Contact:

Luke Sales
Director of Planning
Town of Qualicum Beach
250-752-6921 ext 348 (Town Hall)
[email protected]