Currently, Kamloops Search and Rescue operates out of a City of Kamloops-owned building on Mission Flats Road that is inadequate for their operations, as it lacks space and does not provide office or training facilities. A permanent search and rescue facility would serve as the base for Kamloops Search and Rescue operations, and it would support training, mobilization, and equipment storage needs for the organization. It would benefit all search and rescue groups within the Thompson-Nicola region by serving as a regional training centre for all of these groups. The space would also be available to use for delivery of emergency training courses and could function as a backup Emergency Operations Centre for the Thompson Nicola Regional District, if required.

Further, the new facility would replace the existing Kamloops Fire Rescue Station 5 (near the Tolko Mill), which is past its life and having functionality and operational challenges. The new station will address current constraints and improve response times.

The proposed location (outlined in red) is at 4420 Devick Road in Rayleigh, immediately adjacent to Highway 5.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District Board has directed staff to move forward with an Alternative Approval Process to seek elector approval for borrowing to fund construction of the proposed hall, and to create a region-wide service that would fund a portion of ongoing operation and maintenance costs of the facility.

Residents in all 10 Electoral Areas and all 11 Member Municipalities of the Thompson Nicola Regional District (including the City of Kamloops) will have the opportunity to participate in the Alternative Approval Process that will determine whether this project will proceed.

Project Capital Costs

• Estimated construction cost: $9.45 million
• Funding arrangement: City of Kamloops (25%), Thompson Nicola Regional District (75%)

The City of Kamloops will be responsible for 25% of the total construction cost, primarily allocated to the firehall component, amounting to $2.3 million. The source of City funding would be determined if and when the Thompson Nicola Regional District has passed the Alternative Approval Process.

The Thompson Nicola Regional District will be responsible for the remaining 75%, which equates to $7.1 million, designated for the Kamloops Search and Rescue component, with Kamloops Search and Rescue pledging to raise up to $1.4 million.

*including a 10% contingency, the total amount that the TNRD will be required to borrow is $6,259,579. For ease of communication, the maximum amount that the TNRD is requesting to borrow through public assent has been rounded up to $6.3 million.

Project Operating Costs

In addition to funding for construction, this project will require a regional service to be created to fund the ongoing operations and maintenance costs.

The City will cover operating costs for the Kamloops Fire Rescue portion of the facility. Shared operating costs will be divided 25% to the City and 75% to the Thompson Nicola Regional District, matching the capital cost split. All Kamloops Search and Rescue-related expenses (training, deployments, equipment, etc.) are solely Kamloops Search and Rescue’s responsibility.

The formal Alternative Approval Process for this project is not yet underway. Further details on timelines and how to participate will be shared as soon as information becomes available. For more information, visit TNRD.ca/KSAR-KFR-Hall.