By Jessica Wallace,
Kamloops This Week
The Thompson Nicola Regional District is planning upgrades to a firehall and community building in McLure. On Thursday, March 24, the regional district board approved $700,000 in grant funds from the Canada Community-Building Fund for renovations and additions to the McLure community and firehall building, which is located at 273 McLure Ferry Road.
According to a report that went to the regional district board on Thursday, the request was proposed by Area P (Rivers and the Peaks) director Mel Rothenburger. Rothenburger was absent at the board meeting on Thursday.
Deputy general manager of operations Jamie Vieira told KTW upgrades to the building are required, as well as an additional bay and fire truck. Vieira said an inspection resulted in need for electrical upgrades and asbestos removal. Furthermore, he said the firehall is expanding for additional capacity, which will allow it to respond to additional wildfire dispatches.
“In addition to supporting wildfire efforts, it’s also a revenue stream back to that community fire department that can go towards capital,” Vieira said. “Essentially, it’s a way of making money for that individual firehall and any money they make goes directly into that department’s operational budget.”
The board report notes improvements will also include restrooms, including shower facilities.
The regional district owns the building and a community association uses the space.
No significant upgrades will occur to the community hall portion of the building. Vieira said the entire project will be funded via the grant.
Vieira said design and tendering will follow, with project timelines at this time unknown.
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