Kamloops Search and Rescue says it has identified two properties that could become home to its new permanent headquarters, though it says neither property meets all of its needs.
KSAR President Paula Davies says one property is at 4420 Devick Road near Rayleigh, while the other is at the location of the Knutsford Transfer Station at 1590 Beresford Road, off of Highway 5A.
“Our biggest concern is actually deployment times,” Davies said, noting KSAR is hoping to have its new facility close to the Kamloops City Centre.
“We want our members to be within a 30 minute drive to the hall, ideally within 15 minutes, and where these two properties are located, if we have to drive to them and then say have a call [on the other side of town], it definitely lengthens our deployment time.”
Davies says a few other potential locations – including one by Kamloops Airport – were turned down because of issues around deployment time.
“We have a decision matrix to complete on these two properties that are currently on the table,” Davies said, noting KSAR is keeping its options open for now.
“If nothing further comes up by Fall, then the TNRD hopefully will be able to put together the best piece of land and also the building plans, and then they will come up with some kind of funding strategy.”
Estimates from Kamloops Search and Rescue are that a new facility that is large enough to accommodate both vehicles and equipment would cost about $3.7-million. In November, the TNRD said it would likely be looking at borrowing money though an alternate approval process or a referendum to help pay for this new facility.
As things stand, Davies says KSAR has to vacate its Mission Flats facility at the end of January next year. But she says the City of Kamloops has indicated it is open to an extension, as long as KSAR has a plan in place to find its new permanent home.
“If there was another property that came up that was more centrally located and more suitable, we definitely would consider it,” Davies added. “But yes, there is a timeline here. We have that lease termination date. We definitely need a plan in place even to just get an extension of that lease.”
“Property is rare in Kamloops, whether its for commercial or residential use, but we’re looking for something fairly centrally located, a 1.5 acre property with all the utilities available as well,” Davies said. “We’re looking for a place where we’re not going to disturb anyone or a place where we’re not going to be slowed down by school zones or railways and that kind of thing.”
“Its a tough ask, but if there is anything out there that anyone can think of, that would be great.”
Davies says KSAR is currently on track to be in its new permanent home by 2026.
“We’ll keep plugging away,” Davies said. “I think we were given sort of a 16 month build time once everything is approved.”
“I would like to thank the city and the TNRD, Stantec, and everyone who is helping us. People have been generous to us so far, and it’s really nice to know that people support Kamloops Search and Rescue.”