New facility will enhance emergency response capabilities in Kelowna.
Community partners including the City of Kelowna, Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO), and the Barry Lapointe Foundation have confirmed funding for Central Okanagan Search and Rescue’s (COSAR) future home.
The new state-of-the-art COSAR facility will be located in Kelowna’s northern gateway at a shared site on John Hindle Drive. Spanning approximately 9,500 square feet, it will also replace the Valley Road Fire station.
“We’re very pleased to provide funding for a new building for COSAR,” said Don Bell, Chair of The Barry Lapointe Foundation. “COSAR volunteers provide an invaluable service to the region and this facility should further support their efforts.”
The Barry Lapointe Foundation has committed $6 million towards the construction, with COSAR and the City signing an agreement for a permanent site supporting rescue operations including first aid and ground search.
“People across Kelowna and Central Okanagan deserve to feel safe during emergencies,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, highlighting the government’s investment in emergency services.
The Glenmore Protective Services Campus (GPSC) will serve as a logistical and operational base for emergencies, fostering improved collaboration and coordination during incidents.
“This new facility is an investment in the safety of our community during emergencies,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. The campus is part of the City of Kelowna’s plan to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The RDCO prioritizes regional emergency services, distributing funds to support essential services like COSAR for community safety.
Board Chair Loyal Wooldridge noted securing a permanent home for COSAR as a longstanding priority, emphasizing the team’s crucial role in public safety in a region known for outdoor recreation.
The project is backed by a $10 million combination of a $6 million donation from the Barry Lapointe Foundation and $4 million from the RDCO’s share of the provincial Growing Communities Fund.