Media Release - AmblesideNow Advances the Public Safety Building
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
West Vancouver, BC: The District of West Vancouver continues to advance AmblesideNow with detailed analysis on the concept of a new public safety building to replace the existing police building and fire hall #1. The public safety building would house fire and police services in one post-disaster building to be constructed on the municipal site located at 17th Street and Esquimalt Avenue. By re-locating the police station from Marine Drive (1300 Block) to the municipal site, the 1300 Block of Marine Drive would be available for revitalization.
Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones says, “Our Council is launching public consultation for a new public safety building. The next Council will engage with the community on this important project.”
The total anticipated cost of building a public safety building is estimated at $39.5 million. The building will not facilitate integration of fire and police services because of their different operational requirements, but it will result in efficiencies and cost savings to the taxpayer by maximizing shared space and infrastructure in a single public safety building.
With the report received by Council, staff will work to develop a public consultation to begin in 2012. Public consultation will focus on receiving public comment on the size, scope, design, location, cost, funding sources and timeline for the new building.
Since July 2010, substantial work has been done to evaluate the overall feasibility of the project. In addition, the Ambleside Revitalization Commission, which is comprised of expert community volunteers, has reviewed the project and is confident that it can be achieved within the current estimate of $39.5 million.
Click here to view the full Council report.
About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.
Media Contact:
Jessica Delaney, Director of Communications
Cell: 604-360-8131
Direct: 604-925-4736