Provincial funding has helped increase training capacity for fire departments in the Regional District of Nanaimo.
A $200,000 grant from the provincial Community Emergency Preparedness Fund helped equip the Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue training centre with live training props and supported construction of a new joint training facility for the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department and Lantzville Fire Rescue.
The live training props were funded with $120,000 from the grant and will be used by firefighters with Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue, the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department and the Dashwood Volunteer Fire Department.
“The car fire training prop will enhance firefighter readiness and operational effectiveness across our region by expanding access to high-quality, standardized training. This investment directly supports improved emergency response capabilities and shows strong regional collaboration among local fire rescue departments in delivering effective service to our communities,” said Peter Cornell, fire chief at Qualicum Beach Fire Rescue.
The remaining $80,000 supported construction of a new joint training facility at the Nanoose fire hall. The two-storey building includes multiple rooms, stairs, windows and training props.
Additional funding for the project came from Growing Community Funds ($30,000), Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area E ($28,500), Electoral Area G ($1,500), the Lantzville Fire Rescue budget ($30,000) and a donation of nearly $48,000 made to the Nanoose Volunteer Fire Department in 2020.
“The new training facility has significantly elevated the level of training the fire department can offer our crews. It allows our firefighters to safely train more often and realistically, directly improving the service we provide to our community and mutual aid partners. We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this important initiative a reality,” said Leo Groenewegen, fire chief at the Nanoose Bay fire department.
