Salt Spring’s Local Community Commission (LCC) will take possession this year of the soon-to-be-vacant Fire Hall No. 1 at Ganges, a $1 transfer that’s either a bargain or a boondoggle, depending on who you ask.
As predicted, commissioners learned it’s going to take more than spare change to support renovating the building for the sort of future many islanders have been imagining. That message came Thursday, Feb. 12, as the LCC received a formal repurposing evaluation report from staff on the historic structure.
The professional assessment confirmed the existing building can’t support uses like a community hall or farmers’ market without major upgrades, according to senior manager Dan Ovington — including full modernization of the building systems, new fire and life safety features, accessibility improvements, interior reconfiguration and replacement of the building envelope.
The initial estimate on those renovations is projected at $2.8 million, he said, adding the architect offered a sombre alternative: for $408,000, the building can be demolished.
“I understand how some people will see the report and be horrified that we have taken on what is, at minimum, a half-million-dollar expense,” said LCC member Brian Webster, who has advocated for a new public use of the fire hall for years.
“Another way of looking at it is we’re keeping one of the most significant properties on Salt Spring in public hands — and we potentially have an opportunity to get future use there at, essentially, half the cost of constructing a new building.”
Given the building’s central location — and the high level of community interest — Ovington suggested the next step should be to conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in community spaces, to ensure future investments align with local priorities. Commissioners agreed, and directed staff to retain a consultant to complete that needs assessment, lead First Nations engagement and carry out community consultation to help determine the most beneficial long-term use of the site.
“The idea is that potentially we walk out, say, three options to the community,” explained Ovington. “Do you support tearing the building down, do you support revitalizing the existing building, or do you support a new build — and what would that look like?”
Any changes would also likely have zoning or building code implications, Ovington added, as the current occupancy only permits emergency service uses.
On a motion from CRD director and commission member Gary Holman, the LCC also asked staff to report back on potential interim uses of the fire hall, “while future uses are being determined.”
“There may be an NGO whose purpose is similar to that of the fire district,” said Holman, who said he had been approached by at least one, “so that wouldn’t require a change of use, and offer possibly the opportunity for a temporary tenant.”
The Driftwood has confirmed the building leased by Salt Spring’s Search and Rescue team will no longer be available to that group by the end of summer. Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue Chief Jamie Holmes told the LCC he was in contact with their executive leadership, that they were looking for a “temporary home,” and the timing could work out for a handover around August, if the LCC were interested.
“I think [firefighters] will be vacated by that point,” said Holmes, “so I think there would be an opportunity for a transition.”
Webster supported looking into a temporary use at the fire hall but cautioned against rushing any long-term decisions.
“We’re talking about the most visible property on Salt Spring Island, period,” said Webster. “As much as I would like to be able to make a decision in the next few weeks and then get it going, I don’t think that is realistic.
“It’s a big deal, and it’s a great opportunity,” he continued. “We have some important work to do.”