A development permit has been issued for a facility that will replace the Scotch Creek-Lee Creek fire hall that burned down in 2023 during the Bush Creek East wildfire.
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board supported issuance of the industrial development permit for the new hall to go at a new location, 1435 Beatty Road. Last November the CSRD announced it had purchased the Scotch Creek property, which is larger than the fire/community hall's former location at 3852 Squilax-Anglemont Road. The hall there burned to the ground when the Bush Creek East blaze rolled through North Shuswap communities in August 2023.
The development permit covers the form and character of the new hall, ensuring "the design and landscaping plans for the building meet the policies and objectives" of the area's official community plan and zoning bylaws.
"The issuance of the Development Permit paves the way for the CSRD to obtain a building permit for the facility, with construction to begin later this year," said the CSRD in a June 20 news release.
The new fire hall will have a different design, said the CSRD, but will incorporate the same elements as the previous one, with space for fire trucks, gear storage and a training room that could be used for community events.
鈥淲e know the community is anxious to see the new building in place. We are also excited to move our firefighters into their new home,鈥� said the CSRD's Regional Fire Chief Sean Coubrough. 鈥淲e really appreciate the firefighters鈥� willingness to adapt to the situation and the patience of the community as we work through the rebuilding process.鈥�
The CSRD said construction costs will be primarily covered by fire insurance.
