We all know we need it. It’s been two years since the fire, and much of that time has been spent in discussions with our insurer and the Province over how much funding they can provide. Those conversations are still ongoing, but one thing is clear: there is no way to rebuild the Scotch Creek hall without borrowing funds. Anglemont’s new hall, based on the same design, will also require borrowing.

Like many of you, I’m not happy with how the price has risen since January. I knew it would be higher, because the old hall was already too small for the equipment and growth in our area, and we need to build for the future. After many conversations with CSRD staff, I’m convinced this plan gives us the firehall we need — functional, efficient, and not extravagant. I’m a taxpayer in the North Shuswap too, and I always push to make sure our spending is focused on value, not excess. This hall is what we need, and we need it now.

Normally, the CSRD can only borrow externally from the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) with approval from the electorate. That process takes at least four months, whether through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) (where more than 10% of voters would need to object) or a full referendum (slower and more costly, unless held alongside the municipal elections next year). If we waited, construction couldn’t begin until spring 2026.

To avoid losing another year — and to keep costs from climbing further — CSRD staff suggested a short-term internal borrowing. This lets us start construction this fall, while still requiring full voter approval for any long-term borrowing next year. I supported this option so we can see the new firehall completed by next fall, rather than waiting until 2027.

This project is not just bricks and mortar – it’s about ensuring the safety, resilience and future of our community for decades to come.

Why the Costs Look Different

People are asking why the new Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Firehall will cost $5.6 million instead of the $3.3 million estimated back in January. The truth is, the number isn’t just higher because of inflation — it’s also because the design is larger to handle future projected population increases, it had to be updated to meet today’s codes, the new hall is on a different lot, and we’ve added a few important pieces that make the building safer and more functional.

What’s been added since January

Between February and July, the design changed in a few important ways:

• Longer apparatus bay (from 66′ to 72′) to properly house all vehicles, including the command truck that used to sit outside.
• Larger community hall to accommodate similar numbers with new building codes.
• Better exterior and elevation finishes.
• FireSmart landscaping (would have happened at either lot)
• BC Hydro upgrades (new pole, possible new service shed).

Together, those changes added about 1,600 square feet:

• 800 sq ft more bay space for vehicles and firefighter movement.
• 800 sq ft more for the community hall — not because of luxury, but because new building codes require more space to safely hold the same number of people. The old hall could hold 200; the new one will only hold 190 with the extra space.

That square footage increase alone added about $792,000.

Old site vs. new site

Some site preparation would have been needed at either location — things like geotechnical work, surveying, permitting, stormwater measures, clearing trees, grading, and utility tie-ins. The new lot did add some unique costs: archaeology investigation, septic installation, new water and hydro service, and new access roads and parking.

Those differences total about $485,000 on paper, but because the old site would also have required removing and disposal of the old foundation and slab, grading, utility adjustments, and stormwater work, the real difference is likely much less. In other words, the choice of site isn’t the main reason for the cost increase.

Market conditions

Since the insurance assessment in 2023/24:

• Excavation/disposal costs are up 30%.
• Mechanical systems are up 10%, electrical up 5%.
• Labour in B.C. has climbed 5–7%.
• Steel pricing bounces around depending on tariffs and politics.

Building code requirements

A larger, modern hall also means:

• More exits, wider corridors, wider exit doors.
• Extra emergency services (signage, alarms, sprinklers, lighting, separations).
• More barrier-free design features (accessible washrooms, door operators, travel paths).

These aren’t optional — they’re required under today’s code.

Could we cut costs by shrinking the building?

One option would be to eliminate the community hall space from the project. That would reduce costs now, but it would also mean the community would need to build a separate hall later under a different service. In the end, that wouldn’t save much and may increase costs — it would just push the expense down the road. Keeping the community space in this project makes better long-term sense.

Why build now?

Costs aren’t going down. Every year we wait, construction inflation and supply issues push prices higher. Add to that the fact Scotch Creek is growing — new subdivisions and developments could add 500+ new homes, nearly a 50% increase in community size. Our fire infrastructure has to keep pace.

Next steps

The short-term internal borrowing lets us start this fall, while still negotiating with insurance and the Province and preparing for a full taxpayer approval process next year. That vote could technically reject borrowing — but given the need for both the Scotch Creek and Anglemont halls, it’s hard to see the community turning them down.

This isn’t an extravagant building. It’s a practical, future-ready facility designed to serve Scotch Creek and Lee Creek safely for decades.