A new fire hall on Hornby Island will become a reality, following the results of the April 18 referendum, which saw a majority of voters in the Hornby Island fire protection service provide a definitive response by voting yes to borrowing funds to assist in the construction of the project.
The Hornby Island fire protection service (fire hall construction) loan authorization bylaw provides funds to assist with the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) to build a new Hornby Island fire hall by borrowing $1.6 million to be repaid over 20 years.
“There was much lively debate and active participation in the community regarding this project. Having community input into the proposal was integral in delivering a plan that will serve the needs of the community in the most efficient and cost-effective way,” said CVRD Chair and Baynes Sound-Denman/Hornby Islands (Area ‘A’) Director Bruce Jolliffe. “Residents and property owners may benefit from lower insurance rates and Hornby Island fire rescue volunteer firefighters will be able to provide a higher level of fire protection service.”
The official result of the April 18 referendum was 616 (83 per cent) in favour and 126 (17 per cent) against.
“The CVRD would like to thank everyone who came out to vote on this important proposal,” said James Warren, chief election officer. “Voter turnout was approximately 78 per cent.”
Ideas considered from the public consultation process included keeping the design simple, adequate and sufficient, finding creative ways to work within the project budget, and incorporating suggested fire hall design elements.
CVRD staff will prepare a report on the results of the referendum that will go to the April 28, 2015 board meeting. At this time, the directors may adopt the Hornby Island fire hall loan authorization bylaw. For more information about the referendum, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/referendum.