Artistic rendering. @comoxvalleyrd.ca
COMOX VALLEY – The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), in collaboration with Mount Washington Pacific and the Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society, have announced the purchase of the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre with construction plans to build fire response truck bays.
The CVRD took possession of the Mountain Centre on February 1, 2025. The purchase of the facility will be funded through the approved Community Works funds and the Growing Communities grants.
“As a Board we are very pleased with the CVRD buying the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre and continuing the legacy started by the Society. Not only will the Centre continue to be a meeting place for mountain snow sport and outdoor education groups including the Strathcona Nordic Ski Club, but the Mount Washington community will be able to utilize the fitness facility and provide overnight and winter options in a scarce temporary accommodation market. Thank you to the many staff and volunteers over the years, including the Vancouver Olympic Legacy Fund, BC Gaming, Western Economic Diversity Fund and Island Coastal Economic Trust. Proceeds from the sale of the Centre will pay off the mortgage, with remaining funds being placed in an endowment with Comox Valley Community Foundation aimed to fund local mountain sport athletes and outdoor education programs,” said Gord Campbell, Chairperson for Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society.
“After years of planning, it is exciting to see the firehall project come to fruition. The persistence and dedication to find solutions along the road should be celebrated today. This is great news for the entire mountain community, and we look forward to working with and supporting Fire Chief Bruce Green and his team in the years ahead,” stated Dean Prentice, General Manager of Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
The Mountain Centre will be used as an administrative and indoor training building, with the fire truck bays to be built beside it. A lease for the land beside the Mountain Centre has been developed with Mount Washington Pacific to build the truck bays. The bays will be used to store response vehicles, supplies and equipment.
Staff are working with the CVRD Recreation department to maximize use of the Mountain Centre to help reduce the cost of the service over time. Existing users such as the Strathcona Nordic Ski Club will continue to have access.
Construction of the truck bays is anticipated to begin in summer 2025, with completion expected for later in 2026. More information on this project and updates to construction can be found at www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/mwfire.
“The purchase of the Vancouver Island Mountain Centre and plans for truck bays signifies a great step forward in providing the necessary emergency response to the residents and visitors of Mount Washington. Thank you to the community and our numerous partners for your patience and commitment in making this firehall a reality,” added Edwin Grieve, CVRD Electoral Area C Director.
Source: comoxvalleyrd.ca
