The Cowichan Valley Regional District is considering constructing a new three bay fire hall, complete with administrative, training and support spaces, to replace the existing fire hall located at 4821 Yellow Point Road in Ladysmith, British Columbia.

The project, if approved at referendum, will include the construction of a two-story 8,500 (approx.) square foot fire hall that will accommodate 35 volunteer firefighters and will include truck bays for 3 pieces of fire apparatus as well as gear storage, workshop, kitchen, offices, fitness area and meeting hall. A temporary structure suitable for use by the Fire Department is contemplated to share the existing site during construction of the new fire hall. The project will also require an all new waste treatment and disposal system is required for the site as is an all new domestic water well and distribution system.

The Owner has established a construction budget of $2,000,000.00 and an overall project budget inclusive of land, Owner-retained consultants, environmental costs, permits, and contingencies of $2,500,000.00 in 2006 dollars.

The project schedule is set to begin with design, followed by a referendum and if the project is approved at referendum, construction commencing by the Fall of 2007 with completion and occupancy of the building by early Summer 2008.

In preparation for the preparation of a schematic design study the CVRD retained the services of Tectonica Managment Inc. to assist in the implementation of a Request for Proposal process designed to select an Architectural and Engineering team. Following the selection of Johnston Davidson Architecture and Planning and their consulting team, Tectonica Managment Inc. was again retained to manage all aspects Johnston Davidson Architecture and Planning’s activities while completing the Phase One Design (Feasibility) Report.

Tectonica Managment Inc. also managed the activities of the CVRD retained specialist engineering consultants tasked with completing the necessary geotechnical investigations and reports and a Phase One Contaminated Site xInvestigation as well as the completion of a schematic design confirming the feasibility of on site waste treatment and disposal.