Don’t say No to new Fire Hall, Osoyoos Fire Chief urges voters

Don’t say No to new Fire Hall, Osoyoos Fire Chief urges voters

Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rick Jones is asking Osoyoos residents to make sure they have good information before saying no to a proposed new Fire Hall to replace an ailing building on Main Street.

“Signing negative ballots currently being circulated in the community is a vote against this new Fire Hall,” said Chief Jones.

“I urge Town of Osoyoos residents not to sign these negative ballots. Instead, learn more about this important project and make an informed decision.”

The Department will be opening its doors to residents Thursday, August 28, to provide an up close and personal look at the facility and equipment the community’s dedicated firefighters use to keep Osoyoos safe.

The Town will then host a community discussion at the Sonora Centre that evening to provide more information on the proposed new Fire Hall.

“We can explain the existing Main Street Fire Hall’s limitations and deficiencies until we’re blue in the face,” said Chief Jones. “Or we can invite Town of Osoyoos residents to come visit our facility and see its shortcomings for themselves.”

The open house and information session come as the Town of Osoyoos embarks on an Alternative Approval Process to ensure residents support funding construction of a new Fire Hall, which would be located on 74 Avenue near Hwy. 97.

Total building cost for that facility, including a 10-percent contingency, is expected to be about $6.6 million. The Town of Osoyoos portion of the costs are approximately $4 million.

“Our existing Fire Hall is more than 50 years old and has outlived its usefulness,” explained Mayor Stu Wells. “Council has reviewed all options, including renovations to the existing facility, and is of the strong opinion the new Fire Hall is the best route forward for the community.”

The existing Fire Hall is substantially below standard and cannot be reconfigured or expanded to meet the community’s future needs.

“We want to make sure Town of Osoyoos residents have accurate information on the community’s need for a new Fire Hall,” said Chief Jones.

The Fire Hall Open House will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday (August 28) afternoon and 6:30 to 7:15 that evening. The community discussion at the Sonora Centre will follow at 7:30 p.m.

 
####

Click Here to learn more information on the Fire Hall Construction.

For more information:
 
Chief Rick Jones                                                      Barry Romanko
Town of Osoyoos Volunteer Fire Department                CAO, Town of Osoyoos
250-495-6515                                                           250-495-6515
fire@osoyoos.ca                                                        bromanko@osoyoos.ca