Canada and British Columbia invest $350,000 to upgrade Mesachie Lake Fire Hall
DUNCAN – The safety and well-being of people are top priorities of the governments of Canada and British Columbia. Upgrading fire halls improve critical services to residents through more efficient facilities and reduced response times. Investing in essential facilities will extend buildings’ service life.
The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia are investing $350,000 in the upgrade of the Mesachie Lake Fire Hall through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s new COVID-19 Community Resilience stream.
Canada is contributing $280,000, and BC is contributing $70,000.
Aaron Stone, Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District noted that “the CVRD appreciates the support from the provincial and federal governments to increase the resiliency and efficiency of our infrastructure.”
Kevin Smith, Mesachie Lake Fire Chief added “this financial assistance is so helpful to the dedicated volunteers of the Mesachie Lake Volunteer Fire Department.”
The project involves a major renovation to the Mesachie Lake Fire Hall including a new HVAC system, plumbing, electrical and mechanical works, installing new flooring, upgrading the kitchen, bathroom, and roof to reduce energy usage and extend the service l service life of the fire hall. Functional improvements in the vehicle bay will improve firefighter safety.
Ian Morrison, Director, Electoral Area F, Cowichan Lake South/Skutz Falls, commented that “we’ve heard clearly the operation of the Mesachie Lake Volunteer Fire Department is vital and cherished by this close-knit community. This very timely contribution will allow the fire hall, a long serving and valued asset, to continue to serve the firefighters and residents well into the future.”