Construction has officially kicked off for the Union Bay Fire Hall, celebrating the power of partnership and a shared dedication to community safety and sustainability. The winning contractor for the project is Knappett Industries, an island-based construction company.

Left to right: Edwin Grieve (Electoral Area C Director), Trevor Samson (Knappett Industries), Ian Munro (Alternate Electoral Area A Director), Bruce Green (Regional Rural Fire Chief), Richard Hardy (Electoral Area B Director and K’ómoks First Nation Councillor), Doug DeMarzo (CVRD General Manager of Community Services), Ian Ham (Fire Chief, Union Bay/Fanny Bay Fire Rescue), Daniel Arbour (Electoral Area A Director), Nicole Rempel (K’ómoks First Nation Chief Councillor).

“This is a big day. Many community members and fire department members have worked towards a new fire hall in Union Bay, in some cases for decades. It is an amazing feeling to finally break ground, and I look forward to having the community join us at the opening.”
–    Daniel Arbour, Electoral Area A Director

“Today marks a milestone of nearly three decades in the making. For close to 30 years, our community and this department have worked, planned, and hoped for a new fire hall that meets the needs of the people we serve. Seeing construction finally begin is more than just a building going up, it’s a commitment to safety, resilience, and the future of our region. I’m incredibly proud of our members, grateful to our community, and honoured to witness this long-awaited project become a reality.”
–    Ian W Ham, Fire Chief (Union Bay Fire Rescue)

“A modern fire hall with enhanced capacity will give people in Union Bay and surrounding areas peace of mind knowing help will be there when it’s needed most. I want to extend my gratitude to the Union Bay Volunteer Fire Department, the Comox Valley Regional District, and Union Bay residents for their dedication and teamwork in bringing this project to life. This is a real testament to what a strong, caring community can accomplish.”
–    Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim

“The start of construction of the new Union Bay Fire Hall is a major milestone in boosting emergency response capacity and enhancing community safety. Our government is proud to have supported this project, which will give first responders the resources they need to keep people safe and serve residents for decades to come.”
–    Will Greaves, Member of Parliament for Victoria

Initial planning for a new Union Bay Fire Hall has been ongoing since 2016. Staff have been working with elected officials and community partners to identify a new location and design for the fire hall, which will be located at 5235 Island Highway South. The approved design has been created to maintain cost efficiency and sustainability as the community grows.

Project funding includes:

• Canada Community Building Funds (Canada) – $2.3 million
  • $1.7 million – Area A
  • $200k – Area B
  • $400k – Area C
• Growing Communities Funding (BC) – $1.195 million
• Reserves – $50,000
• Long-term borrowing – $2.755 million

For more information on the project and for updates, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/unionbayfire.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.

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Media Contact:

Bruce Green
Regional Rural Fire Chief
250-337-8121

The Comox Valley Fire Chiefs Association would like to remind residents on the importance of Recreational Vehicle (RV) safety and what you can do to reduce your risk of danger and accident prevention.

“While RVs are not designed for living in on a permanent basis, as we head into the cooler months it’s important to consider a few key reminders about recreational vehicles and travel trailers,” says Bruce Green, Regional Rural Fire Chief for the Comox Valley Regional District. “Proper RV maintenance, safe storage of fuels, and awareness of your environment are crucial in preventing avoidable emergencies. Fire safety doesn’t take a holiday. In recreational vehicles, space is tight, and hazards add up quickly; stay mindful, stay prepared, and stay safe.”

Each year in the Comox Valley, fires in RVs can cause death, injury, and result in large financial damages. By following a few simple tips, you can help prevent these fires from happening.

Safety Tips

• Install smoke alarms and make sure they work
• Stay in the kitchen while you cook and remove combustibles away from the stovetop
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet
• Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping
• Only use CSA approved appliances
• Ensure all electrical cords and appliances are rated for what they are being used for
• Maintain proper ventilation when using heaters, stoves, or generators
• Never run engines or fuel-burning equipment in enclosed spaces
• Keep exit routes clear in case of emergency

Carbon Monoxide Warning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is colorless, odorless, and can quickly build up in confined areas. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion. CO exposure can be deadly without early detection.

To reduce risk:

• Install a working CO detector
• Avoid idling near windows or sleeping areas
• Seek medical help immediately if CO poisoning is suspected

By performing routine safety checks and staying alert to hazards, RV owners can enjoy a safer living and traveling experience.

The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.

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Media Contact:

Bruce Green
Regional Rural Fire Chief
250-337-8121

FireSmart BC Network Website is Live!

We’re excited to let you know about the launch of the FireSmart BC Network, our new online resource library designed specifically for FireSmart Coordinators like you.

The site is your one-stop hub for everything you need to support your work– including posters, graphics, videos, photos, key program information, and a wide variety of FireSmart resources. It’s all organized and easy to access so you can find what you need, when you need it.

So be sure to add this new website to your bookmarks: https://www.firesmartbcnetwork.ca/

We hope this new platform will make your outreach and education efforts even more effective. If you have any questions or feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Thanks for all the important work you do!