The Cowichan Valley Regional District has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cowichan Search & Rescue Society for a proposed new facility at the site of the Bings Creek Recycling & Waste Management Centre.
The MOU follows previous capacity assessment work for future expansion of the Bings Creek site, which explored use of the site to further incorporate CVRD Parks & Trails, Utilities and Recycling & Waste Management staff.
The assessment also identified opportunities for future consideration of existing tenants, including Emergency Management Cowichan and the search and rescue society.
“We are grateful to the many volunteers of Cowichan Search & Rescue Society and the service they provide to residents of the Cowichan region,” said Kate Segall, chair of the CVRD.
“This MOU will provide them with the ability to develop a new permanent facility to house their equipment, conduct training, and help prevent the loss of life when unfortunate circumstances occur in our communities.”
In February, 2024, the search and rescue society submitted correspondence to the CVRD stating that their current facility was no longer adequate to support their operational needs.
“The Bings Creek site is ideal for us due to its central location for the CSAR service area, and enhances our ability to effectively respond when we’re called to action,” said Jamie Tudway-Cains, the society’s search manager and past president.
“We’ve enjoyed a 15-year relationship with the CVRD at this site and appreciate the continued support to ensure CSAR can continue its role in emergency response for residents of the Cowichan region.”
The search and rescue society currently occupies two service bays at the Bings Creek site, which includes a meeting/training space.
At this time, the location of a new search and rescue facility within the Bings Creek site has not been identified; however, the society has determined their future needs will include approximately 1.8 acres, with accommodation of up to 60 parking spaces.
The development planning work currently underway is anticipated to conclude in June, 2025, which will include comprehensive engagement to determine overall functional and spacial needs, facility configurations, environmental constraints, and overall costing and implementation timelines.
