Union Bay Firehall

Planning for the new firehall has been occurring since 2016. Staff have been working with elected officials and community partners to identify a new location and design of the firehall. The design has been created to ensure cost efficiency and sustainability.

Staff Report (October 7 EASC) – Union Bay Firehall Update
Union Bay Firehall Floor Plan - Nov 2024

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New Firehall Highlights

• Continued service level for Union Bay Fire Service
• Necessary tools and equipment storage for emergency response
• Improved maneuverability for firefighters, alleviating safety concerns
• Allows for the purchase of newer fire engines (trucks)
• Larger hall accounts for community growth to ensure adequate response.
• Small fitness room for the community to enjoy
• Display area for the history of the Union Bay Fire Service, including the first engine (fire truck) and fire bell
• Safer parking options for residents and tourists visiting the firehall

The overall budget for the new firehall is $6.3 million. Fortunately, the project has received the following in grant funding:

• $2.3 million - Community Works funding (BC)
  • $1.7 million - Area A
  • $200k - Area B
  • $400k - Area C
• $1.195 million - Growing Communities funding (BC)
• $50,000 - reserves

Please note: In November 2024, Electoral Area B Director Richard Hardy and Electoral Area C Director Edwin Grieve understood the additional burden being placed on Union Bay residents and decided to support the project from their Community Works funding, with $200,000 from Area B and $400,000 from Area C. This represents an important and collaborative approach to ensure the tax burden is reduced as much as possible for residents.

The remaining $2.755 million will be provided through long-term borrowing over 25 years. The cost of the firehall long-term debt of $2.755 million has annual debt servicing of $183,432 over the life of the 25 year term. This equates to a tax rate $0.2346 per $1,000 of property assessed value, or approximately $203 annually for a residence assessed at $865,000.

On November 28 2024, the CVRD hosted an open house on the design and development of the new Union Bay Firehall. Staff were on hand to provide details into the project design, including amenities, added benefits to the community, and construction timeline.

Open House Information Boards

Thank you to all who attended!

On October 7, 2024, the CVRD Board provided directions to staff to proceed with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for this project and determine alternative funding options to reduce the impact to the community.

How will the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) work?
In early 2025, an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) will take place, with the Union Bay Firehall Project being one of the initiatives. $2.755 million must be borrowed for this project to move forward, but that process requires elector approval from eligible voters.

Under the AAP, the CVRD advertises its proposed action in the local newspaper and provides 30 days for voters to complete and submit an elector response form if they oppose the proposal. If less than 10 per cent of eligible electors register their opposition, the board may choose to proceed with the proposal. If 10 per cent or more of the eligible electors oppose the proposal in the time period provided, the Regional District must obtain the assent of the electors by referendum before it can proceed.

The Unified AAP is slated to occur in January 2025, with other initiatives being proposed for other areas in the Comox Valley. More information will become available including timeline and other AAP initiatives on www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/AAP.

We hope to see you at the open house on November 28!