A feasibility study to extend fire protection services to the community of Horne Lake is currently being completed.
The study is being conducted by Tim Pley & Associates will include recommendations and options on the requirements needed to have the Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department add the Horne Lake community to its fire protection area.
A final report of the findings of the feasibility study will be presented to the Electoral Areas Services Committee in the first quarter of 2023 for debate and discussion before it is recommended to the Regional District of Nanaimo board for approval.
The requirements include options for the acquisition of land, construction of a new fire hall, purchase of apparatus, any potential upgrades required by the Horne Lake strata to roads or infrastructure to facilitate access and to consider any additional operational costs as well as Fire Underwriters requirements and water supply provisions.
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In forming their conclusions, the consultants engaged and work with the RDN emergency services department, finance department, GIS department, Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department fire chief and officers, Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department Society board and Electoral Area Director for Area H where existing and potential fire service areas would reside.
“I am looking forward to the full report and the findings they will present,” said Area H director Stuart McLean.
The Horne Lake strata community residents were not included in the public consultation process as the strata council has already advised the RDN of their interest in having the fire protection services extended to their region and gave the green light for the process to begin.
A budget of $18,600 was allocated to the feasibility study and was approved in the 2022 financial plan.
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