The BC Search Dog Association will be sharing space with Kamloops Search and Rescue at their new home on the Kamloops North Shore.

The Cooper Family will be redeveloping a former bowling alley and pub on Eighth Street into a permanent home for KSAR and the BC Search Dog Association.

Director Mike Ritcey tells Radio NL they had no plans to build a facility of their own, and he says the opportunities now are endless.

“It’s a new day tomorrow. We have no idea, and we’ll have to examine all the possibilities,” he said. “It’s such a gracious donation. We have to make sure we use it right, and it’s used to the best of the ability of the people and to the centre itself.”

He notes they’ve got 15 dog teams across the province, including two here in Kamloops, but Ritcey is hopeful they’ll be able to expand the number of dog teams in the city.

“The new building for sure will attract new SAR members. Hopefully some of them will want to have a dog. It’s not a hobby, it’s a way of life,” Ritcey added.

“When you have a search and rescue dog, it’s a big commitment, that’s why there’s only a few of us in the province. Thank you again to the Cooper family, it’s unbelievable.”

Both organizations will be headquartered on Eighth Street, inside a building that used to be a bowling alley and a pub.

“It’s 40 years coming for the SAR hall and I’m looking forward to bringing our executive up to speed on what’s happening, and I’m quite sure that somehow we’ll put the space to the best use possible,” said Ritcey.

The new space is expected to be ready at the end of next year.