The Township of Esquimalt is slated to begin construction of their new public safety building which will house Esquimalt Fire Rescue, an Emergency Operations Centre and office space for the Capital Regional District.
On May 22, the township broke ground on the new project, which had its scope reduced last year due to rising construction costs.
“We are thrilled to be breaking ground,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins in a news release. “The community deserves a modern public safety building and I know it has taken a lot of hard work to get us to this important step.”
The four-bay fire apparatus apron will be in the same location as the old fire hall facing Carlisle Street with vehicles following traditional paths through the township. There will be features for Esquimalt Fire Rescue such as a decontamination area, high-angle training tower and classroom space.
“Despite the challenges faced over the over the years is truly a remarkable accomplishment,” said Esquimalt fire chief Matt Furlot. “Occupational health hazards especially due to contaminant exposures are among the greatest risks we face each day. This new public safety building will feature a state of the art decontamination designed to ensure that firefighters and their gear is protected, providing these spaces to support the health and safety of our team.”
The total budget estimate for the project is $42 million which includes costs such as demolition of the old public safety building, renovating the interim police facilities and building the temporary fire facilities.
Construction will officially begin on May 27, and it’s targeted for completion in fall 2026.
Read More: Esquimalt public safety building expected to break ground this summer
Read More: Esquimalt grapples with $62.2M safety building budget