The City of Courtenay has awarded the design contract for the new East Courtenay Fire Hall to Sahuri + Associates Architecture Inc., a Western Canadian firm with extensive experience designing fire halls and emergency service facilities.
The new facility will be located at 220 Waters Place on the existing fire department training grounds. Planning and design work are now underway, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and completion targeted for 2027.
The project will help the Courtenay Fire Department keep pace with the city’s growth, improve response times, and expand volunteer firefighter capacity. Courtenay is projected to add more than 4,500 residents and 2,900 homes by 2031, much of it in East Courtenay — the area furthest from the existing downtown fire hall.
“This project marks an important step in strengthening fire protection and emergency response for Courtenay’s growing east side,” said Fire Chief, Kurt MacDonald. “Sahuri + Associates brings valuable experience from similar fire hall projects across Western Canada. Together, we’ll create a practical, safe, and modern facility that meets our community’s needs now and in the future.”
Design and features
The new fire hall will include:
- Two large drive-through bays for fire trucks, with space for a third in the future
- Training and office areas
- Rest and dorm rooms for current and future firefighters on shift
- A specialized cleaning area to remove smoke and contaminants from gear and equipment
The building will be designed to stay operational after an earthquake or other disaster and meet the latest safety standards for fire halls in Canada.
Community benefits
The East Courtenay Fire Hall will:
- Improve emergency response times for residents east of the Courtenay River
- Strengthen the city’s overall emergency preparedness by adding a second facility on higher ground
- Support recruitment of new volunteer firefighters from the east side
Next steps
The City will now work with Sahuri + Associates on detailed design plans. A construction manager will then be selected to coordinate the build and keep the project on schedule and within budget.
For more information about the East Courtenay Fire Hall project, visit www.courtenay.ca/east-courtenay-firehall