Victoria, BC- The Salt Spring Island Fire Protection District (SSIFPD) announced today an agreement in principle with the Capital Regional District (CRD) for a $1 million Community Works Fund (gas tax) contribution towards construction of a proposed new fire hall on Salt Spring Island. This arrangement with the CRD is contingent on approval by Fire District ratepayers to build a new fire hall.
“Should the referendum pass, the CRD will work with the SSIFPD to facilitate transfer of federal funding to support construction of a new fire hall to replace the current building,” said CRD Director Gary Holman. “This agreement will allow us to reduce the cost for ratepayers of creating a much-needed new fire hall and illustrates how the CRD can work effectively with our fire district in a way that benefits the community.”
A referendum is being scheduled for the end of June in which all SSIFPD ratepayers will be asked if they approve the fire department borrowing $9.7 million to build a new fire hall, which has been proposed on a donated site near Brinkworthy.
The Chair of the SSIFPD Board of Trustees, Rollie Cook, said “This is a win for our community. If the upcoming referendum passes, the Fire Department is able to access opportunities that are not available without the support of the CRD.”
Fire Chief Jamie Holmes pointed out that “The current Fire Hall building is no longer fit to be used for its original purpose. By working with the CRD to access federal funding, we can build the new fire hall without increasing property taxes.”
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Zoe Gray, Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3225
Cell: 250.507.7657