Media Release - West Vancouver Seeks Community Input On Public Safety Building

Tuesday, May 08, 2012

West Vancouver, BC: Council has announced a public engagement plan for the Public Safety Building (PSB). The plan calls for on-going communications and community consultation to provide the community with project information and to solicit community feedback on the project.

Mayor Michael Smith says, “This is an exciting project which will enhance public safety by delivering services more effectively and efficiently. We need community input and feedback on the project so that we can move forward in planning for this critical infrastructure”.

The PSB project proposes to co-locate the police and fire departments in one post-disaster standard building on the municipal hall site. The current cost estimate for the project is approximately $39.5 million dollars.

About the Public Safety Building Project
Both the Police Station and Fire Hall No. 1 are not constructed to a post-disaster standard as required by the current BC Building Code. These facilities would likely fail and possibly collapse in a major seismic event and would not be functional thereafter. This would severely limit our first responders ability to respond quickly in the immediate period after an earthquake.

Given the importance of public safety services provided by police and fire, the District is advancing planning for a post-disaster standard public safety building. Not only would the building be able to withstand a major earthquake, but co-location would allow fire, police and the municipality to maximize operational and administrative efficiencies while recognizing the unique work of each.

The current project proposal is to construct a facility on the south-side of the municipal hall site, co-locate Fire and Police Services in one facility.

Upcoming Community Consultation 
Over the coming several months, the District will be consulting the community on various stages and aspects of the PSB. This first phase seeks to provide information to the community and receive feedback on the overall project including location, co-location of fire and police and funding options. We invite everyone to the following open houses:

  • Thursday, May 17 – 7 - 9 p.m.; Kay Meek Centre
  • Thursday, May 24 – 7 - 9 p.m.; Gleneagles Community Centre (Seaview Room)
  • Thursday, May 31 – 7 - 9 p.m.; Community Centre, Spirit Room

The information presented at each of the three open houses will be the same and will also be available online at westvancouver.ca/psb.

Stay Informed

Visit us at westvancouver.ca/psb
Email us at psb@westvancouver.ca
Call us at 604-913-2761
Visit us at 1408 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Follow us – AmblesideNow - on Facebook and Twitter

About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Michael Smith 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
c: 604-360-8131 | d: 604-925-4736 | e: jdelaney@westvancouver.ca