Background
In 2014, after years of analysis, the CVRD Board determined that based on the current flood prone location on Comox Road, limited space, and expensive lease costs, a new regional office building was a strategic priority.
On August 29, 2017 the CVRD Board adopted the borrowing bylaw for the new office building based on the results of the Alternative Approval Process that occurred July 6 until August 18, 2017. The financing strategy for the office redirects the current $330,000 per year lease payments towards a debt repayment plan. In 2018, Knappett Projects Inc. was awarded the construction contract for the new facility.
The regional office building project provides several benefits to the community including redirecting expensive lease payments to a debt repayment and community asset. By relocating the regional office out of the floodplain, those essential services residents require daily (water, sewer and garbage) will be able to continue in times of need. Corporate records, fleet vehicles and information technology infrastructure will no longer be threatened during flooding and storm events. Finally, a specifically designed post-disaster emergency operations centre (EOC) will provide emergency response to the public during emergency/disaster events.
Incorporating Sustainable Features
The new office building has been built to LEED Gold standards. Some of the sustainable design elements incorporated within the building include a chilled beam heating and cooling system which is 50 per cent more efficient than a conventional forced air system, LED lighting with timers, drought tolerant landscaping, two public electric vehicle charging stations, and sun shades over windows to reduce heat transfer and glare.