Central Saanich is proposing to build a new main firehall and training centre at 1512 Keating Cross Road. The existing firehall, located in the Municipal Hall complex at 1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, has been in use since 1979, but is considered to be at risk in the event of a significant seismic event.

As a result of a multi-year facilities planning process, and for reasons of public safety, Council endorsed a two-firehall model - the proposed new main firehall and a satellite fire station on the existing site.

Central Saanich has been served by a single firehall since the department was formed in 1951. In 2002, a Fire Underwriters Survey identified response times for the southern half of Central Saanich, which includes the Keating business/industrial park, as a significant issue. The Survey also identified the need for main firehall seismic stability, a protected emergency communications system and improved training facilities. A proposal for a new main firehall, with a smaller, satellite firehall, became part of the District’s ongoing strategic planning process. In 2006, this concept was endorsed through a facilities public planning process, and the building of a new main firehall was identified as the top public safety priority.

The proposed new main firehall will serve as the District’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), in the event of a disaster affecting the District. Currently the EOC is activated in the Municipal Hall/Police Station building, which is at risk in a seismic event. The present firehall does not have a seismic rating and is at risk of collapse in a major earthquake. The emergency equipment in the building would be rendered useless for relief efforts. The new firehall will also contain all the critical communications and information technology equipment for the District. It will also include important fire-service training facilities, including a gas training pad, a pumper test area and a four-storey (45’) training tower. The building will be designed and built to minimum LEED Canada Silver Certification, as per the District’s adopted “Municipal Green Building Policy,” and has a 50 year expected life span.