Development of Fire Station #2 reaches important milestone

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The redevelopment of Saanich Fire Station #2 reached an important milestone recently, when the final roof panel was placed.

Photo credit: Bright Photography, courtesy of naturally:wood

The new station, constructed with mass timber, will be a net zero carbon building that will combine high energy performance standards, including LEED Gold and Energy Step Code level 2, with significant operational improvements, including drive through truck bays that allow for swifter deployment.

“This one-of-a-kind facility not only supports the expansion of our emergency response services in the fast-growing Royal Oak area, but also reinforces the District’s commitment to sustainable practices,” says Fire Chief Michael Kaye. “By investing in infrastructure projects like this one, the District is equipping our community with the resources it needs for a brighter future.”

Why mass timber?

Mass timber is a sustainable building material that helps lower carbon emissions by storing carbon in the wood. It’s strong, flexible, and allows for creative designs while making construction faster and more efficient through prefabrication. Mass timber is made from engineered wood and can replace steel or concrete to build durable, cost-effective structures with a smaller carbon footprint. It’s used in all kinds of buildings—like tall towers, sports arenas, offices, apartment buildings, and schools—bringing natural warmth and health benefits when the wood is exposed for all projects.

“With this new facility, not only will our community have better emergency services, we are also demonstrating our commitment to a sustainable future by building with this cutting-edge material,” said Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich South. “Saanich, together with the B.C. government, is setting a new standard for infrastructure built with B.C. mass timber, while supporting local forestry and construction industries.”

The District of Saanich received $500,000 from the Province's Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which aims to grow B.C.’s mass timber and engineered wood products industry and position B.C. as world leader in wood design, engineering and construction.

The facility will play a significant role in helping Saanich achieve its 2050 emissions reduction targets.

“This new fire station will help keep all of Saanich safe while also being a remarkable example of British Columbia’s cutting-edge mass timber capabilities,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “Every time another mass timber structure goes up in the province, it secures B.C.’s position as a world leader in the industry while also showcasing how the sector plays a key role in responding to the U.S. tariffs and duties.”

Background

Fire Station #2 will be located at the corner of Elk Lake Drive and Royal Oak Drive, adjacent to the existing building, which will be removed. The new station will be 23,476 square feet, up from 3,800, and accommodate up to 10 fire fighters, up from the current 5 and 8 vehicles rather than the current 2. A fire fighter training facility will be part of the development.

Photo credit: Bright Photography, courtesy of naturally:wood

In spring 2018, Council adopted the Strategic Facilities Master Plan. The Plan outlines the need for capital investment and prioritization among the District's facilities. Fire Station #2 was ranked one of the highest priorities.

The Province supports the growth of the mass timber sector by offering funding through the Mass Timber Demonstration Program. So far, it has provided over $9.1 million to support the design and construction of 19 buildings and eight research projects across B.C. These projects are helping to increase the use and understanding of mass timber in the construction industry.

Learn more

For more information about the Fire Station #2 redevelopment, please visit saanich.ca/fh2plan.

For more information on the Mass Timber Demonstration Program, please visit https://www.naturallywood.com/mass-timber-demonstration-program/

For more information about mass timber in B.C., please visit www.naturallywood.com

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Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca