Partners from COSAR, Kelowna Fire Department, City of Kelowna, the Regional District of Central Okanagan and the Barry Lapointe Foundation gather for the announcement at the KF Centre for Excellence. Photo credit: City of Kelowna
City of Kelowna
KELOWNA – Community partners – including the City of Kelowna, Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO), and the Barry Lapointe Foundation – gathered today to confirm funding for the future home of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR). It marks a major step forward in bolstering the region’s emergency response capabilities and the advancement of the Glenmore Protective Services Campus (GPSC).
A state-of-the-art building located in Kelowna’s northern gateway will soon house a new COSAR facility spanning approximately 9,500 square feet. The shared site at John Hindle Drive will also host the replacement facility for the aging Valley Road Fire station and, together, will ensure that our community is resilient and ready for emergencies.
“We’re very pleased to provide funding for a new building for COSAR to operate from,” said Don Bell, Chair of The Barry Lapointe Foundation. “COSAR volunteers provide an invaluable service to the region and this facility should further support their efforts.”
With a $6-million donation from the Barry Lapointe Foundation for the construction of the COSAR facility, COSAR and the City have signed a partnership agreement to construct a permanent site which will support the organization’s work in first aid, high-angle rope rescue, wilderness and urban ground search, helicopter rescue, and swift water rescue.
GPSC will serve as a key logistical and operational base for large emergency events, including wildfire response in the Central Okanagan. Co-locating key agencies fosters better collaboration, resource-sharing, and response coordination during multi-agency incidents.
“Central Okanagan Search and Rescue’s dedicated volunteers are there when our community needs them most. This new facility is an investment in them — and in the safety of our community during emergencies,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “As part of the City of Kelowna’s plan for the Glenmore Protective Services Campus, it will strengthen our emergency response capabilities and ensure we are better prepared for the challenges ahead.”
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) continues to prioritize regional emergency services by distributing provincial grant funds to support essential services, such as COSAR, to keep growing communities within the region safe.
“Securing a permanent home for COSAR has been a longstanding priority for the RDCO Board,” said Board Chair Loyal Wooldridge. “As one of the oldest and busiest search and rescue teams in B.C., their role in keeping people safe — locals and visitors alike — is essential in a region where outdoor recreation is part of daily life. It’s a proud moment to see community come together to move this project forward and deliver the support COSAR deserves.”
The Barry Lapointe Foundation’s $6 million donation, along with a $4 million allocation from the RDCO’s share of the provincial Growing Communities Fund, is dedicated to the COSAR portion of the $49 million Glenmore Protective Services Campus project.
