2022 Nanaimo River Fire Protection Service Area Feasibility Study

Consultation has concluded

The original two bay fire hall was constructed with cinder blocks in 1985. A third bay addition was built onto the side of the original structure in 1996.

In 2005 the boundaries of the Extension Fire Protection Service Area (see map in Photos) were expanded to include 47 additional properties (now 72 properties) in the Nanaimo River community. A new fire protection service area was also established for the purpose of raising capital funds to build a new fire hall that would better-serve Nanaimo River residents. At the same time, a loan authorization bylaw was adopted by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) enabling $280,000 in borrowing and a capital reserve was established, both to help fund construction of a satellite firehall.

Fast-forward to 2022, a satellite firehall has not been constructed, the capital reserve now holds a balance of $216,554 and fire protection for the Nanaimo River community continues to be provided by Extension Volunteer Fire Department. As a next step in determining how best to move forward, the RDN is:

• conducting a feasibility study on current and projected fire protection needs of the area;

• investigating options and opportunities;

• engaging with home owners, residents and other interested parties on reserve fund management;

• gathering input and presenting findings; and

• making recommendations for the Electoral Area Services Committee’s consideration.

Subscribe to this page to receive email updates on project progress and check out our News Feed for details on an upcoming engagement opportunity.


In 2005 the boundaries of the Extension Fire Protection Service Area (see map in Photos) were expanded to include 47 additional properties (now 72 properties) in the Nanaimo River community. A new fire protection service area was also established for the purpose of raising capital funds to build a new fire hall that would better-serve Nanaimo River residents. At the same time, a loan authorization bylaw was adopted by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) enabling $280,000 in borrowing and a capital reserve was established, both to help fund construction of a satellite firehall.

Fast-forward to 2022, a satellite firehall has not been constructed, the capital reserve now holds a balance of $216,554 and fire protection for the Nanaimo River community continues to be provided by Extension Volunteer Fire Department. As a next step in determining how best to move forward, the RDN is:

• conducting a feasibility study on current and projected fire protection needs of the area;

• investigating options and opportunities;

• engaging with home owners, residents and other interested parties on reserve fund management;

• gathering input and presenting findings; and

• making recommendations for the Electoral Area Services Committee’s consideration.

Subscribe to this page to receive email updates on project progress and check out our News Feed for details on an upcoming engagement opportunity.


Consultation has concluded

  • What We Heard engagement summary report endorsed

    On December 6, 2022, the What We Heard engagement summary report was endorsed by the Regional District of Nanaimo Board. The engagement report will accompany the final Feasibility Study report scheduled for presentation at the January 12, 2023, Electoral Area Services Committee Meeting.

    To view a copy of the engagement report, check out the Supporting Documents section of this page.

  • Reminder - Input Period Closing August 26, 2022

    We have been receiving some excellent responses on the Nanaimo River Fire Service Area Feasibility Study survey, thank you for your feedback! For residents who still wish to provide their input, the survey/feedback form is open until Friday, August 26 at 4:30 p.m.


    Have your say on the future of fire service in the Nanaimo River community by completing the survey today. Click here to get started. Please be sure to remind your friends and neighbours in the Nanaimo River community that the public input period for this phase of the project remains open until Friday.


    Thank you again for your time, interest and participation.



  • Input Period Open Until August 26, 2022

    supporting image

    On Saturday, August 13, 2022, the Regional District of Nanaimo welcomed 39 participants to the Nanaimo River Fire Protection Feasibility Study Open House. Information presented at the event can be found here and in the "Supporting Documents" section of the project page.


    As part of this important engagement process, the Regional District is seeking input on what the community values most from its fire service to help identify preliminary options for future fire protection services in the area. The public input period is open until Friday, August 26 at 4:30 p.m. To share your thoughts, please complete the online survey.

  • Nanaimo River Fire Protection Service Area - Open House

    Join us at the upcoming Nanaimo River Fire Protection Service Area Open House to:

    • learn about your fire service area and protection grade
    • review preliminary fire service options
    • discuss opportunities and implications
    • provide input


    OPEN HOUSE DETAILS

    DATE: August 13, 2022

    TIME: 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.

    LOCATION: Gogo's Christmas Tree Farm

    2625 S. Forks Road, Nanaimo - At the gazebo

  • Nanaimo River Fire Protection Service Area Feasibility Study Update

    The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has retained the consulting firm, Tim Pley & Associates, to conduct the feasibility study for the development of options relating to the Nanaimo River Fire Protection Service Area funds . A planned engagement process is currently being developed and will be shared with Nanaimo River constituents. All interested constituents/stakeholders will have opportunities to interact with the consultants including being able to provide feedback on preliminary findings midway through the project work.

    Preliminary Project Phases:

    Phase 1- Project Initiation:

    • Kick off discussions with RDN
    • Document collection and review
    • Planning and scheduling for site visits, consultations and community engagement

    Phase 2- Project Planning:

    • Site visit
    • In person consultations

    Phase 3- Project Execution:

    • Community engagement feedback session
    • Integrate information obtained and develop options and recommendations
    • Review/revise draft options/recommendations

    Phase 4: Project Close:

    • Develop final report reflecting client feedback
    • Presentation of findings to Nanaimo River community constituents
    • Presentation of findings to Electoral Area Services Committee