The City of Courtenay is planning a new fire hall in east Courtenay to improve fire response times, strengthen emergency preparedness and support a growing number of volunteer firefighters serving residents and businesses east of the Courtenay River.
The new fire hall will be built at 220 Waters Place, on the site of the City’s current training facilities. The 3.36-acre City-owned property is located near Lerwick Road and Ryan Road, close to a growing number of businesses and homes.
Updates
- April 2026: Design is 70 per cent complete, with construction expected to start in summer/fall 2026.
- January 2026: The construction management contract was awarded to Kinetic Construction. The company will work closely with SAHURI + Partners Architecture Inc. to refine the design and improve construction efficiency.
Project benefits
The new fire hall will help the Courtenay Fire Department keep pace with the city’s growth, improve response times and expand volunteer firefighter capacity.
Improve emergency preparedness
The new hall will provide a backup facility and equipment east of the Courtenay River for use during major events like earthquakes or floods. This location will also make it easier for volunteer firefighters to reach emergency scenes during large-scale events.
Increase volunteer capacity
The department’s current headquarters on Cumberland Road makes it harder for residents in east Courtenay to volunteer. The new satellite hall will increase volunteer capacity from 55 to 67.
Faster response times
A fire hall in east Courtenay will improve response times for fire suppression and rescue services in a growing area of the city.
Highest seismic standards
The new emergency services building will be constructed to post-disaster standards under the B.C. Building Code, ensuring it's built to the highest seismic standards. The design will also comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, supporting the department’s commitment to ongoing training.
Building design
The new fire hall will be a practical building designed to serve the community for generations.
It will include two drive-through bays for fire trucks with room to add a third in the future, plus sleeping quarters, a wellness room, a decontamination area for cleaning gear after calls, accessible washrooms and an elevator.
The design was informed by the Dashwood Fire Hall in the Nanaimo area and is adapted to fit Courtenay's operational needs and policies, as well as current building standards.
Design renderings
Concept renderings of the proposed East Courtenay Fire Hall.
