The Town of Qualicum Beach is aiming to conduct a feasibility study for a plan to relocate its public works operations facility.
Town planner Luke Sales indicated to council each of the current facilities, for the public works and parks yards operations, are far below of what is considered to be modern operations facility. They do not meet current standards for health and safety as well as provide an efficient, workplace
“The feasibility study would assess the viability of upgrading those facilities or also identifying potential locations where those two facilities could share resources at the same resources at a single site,” said Sales.
READ MORE: Environmental impact report sought for Qualicum Beach’s proposed operation facility
The budget for the feasibility study is estimated at $100,000, with $90,000 allotted to paying a consultant and $10,000 to cover staff time.
Council approved staff recommendation to apply to the Provincial Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program grant to help fund $80,000 of the project with the town funding $20,000.
In 2021, the town looked at consolidating both parks and public works under one building and location. Both are currently operating at different locations in buildings that are insufficient and no longer meet current environmental standards.
There several locations identified that included Qualicum Beach Airport – Ravensbourne Lane East, View Road & Sandpit, Jones Street Parks Yard and Garden Road East Dog Park. Staff recommended the Jones Street parks yard located in the community forest. But the proposed location was rejected by residents and council due to the potential loss of trees and the resulting impact it will have on the environment.
On Jan. 12, 2022, council adopted a resolution directing staff to engage a consultant to prepare a report with a needs assessment for a modernized operations facility, as well as a recommendation for the location.
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