The Parksville Fire Department (PFD) will see an additional $45,000 go toward upgrades needed for training facilites.
Mike Tisdelle, PFD assistant fire chief, asked Parksville city council on Feb. 1 to award Knappett Industries $149,805 plus taxes, to improve the working area, drainage, usability and accessiblity within the fire department’s training centre.
The awarded amount is an increase of $45,000 for the 2021 capital budget allocated for the PFD.
Included in the increased amount is a 15 per cent ($22,470) contingency to offset any unforeseen circumstances during construction.
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Knappett Industries was also selected to complete the foundation work for the fire department’s training tower in 2018.
As per the report presented to council, the upgrade project involves the installation of stormwater management utilities, paving and curbing to enhance training effectiveness and improve site usability. The additional pavement would also provide a stabalized base for the department’s aerial apparatus.
According to Tisdelle, the upgrades will take four weeks to complete.
He also confirmed the training facility is used by surrounding fire departments as well and allows the different departments to conduct mutual-aid training, something the PFD is looking toward.