Why do we need such a big Fire Hall?

The largest part of the Fire Hall is an open space for storage of vehicles — the fire trucks and other equipment the department needs to ensure fire safety in the community. The remainder of the building provides for effective storage and maintenance of personal equipment, improved training facilities and office space. The multipurpose design allows for a secondary use of the facility as an emergency operations centre in the event of disaster.

What is the cost of the project and what portion needs to be borrowed?

The total building construction cost for the project is $6,619,800. That includes a 10%c contingency allowance. The Town will access $407,000 in provincial grants and the Osoyoos Rural Fire Protection District (ORFPD) is contributing up-front $250,000 of its share of the cost. That leaves $5,962,657 in borrowing from the provincial Municipal Finance Authority over30 years. An estimated interest rate of 3.3% is guaranteed for 10 years.