Saanich unveils progress on new fire station under construction in Royal Oak

The District of Saanich provided an update on the progress on the new fire station, currently under construction in the heart of Royal Oak. 

This state-of-the-art firehall will serve as both a crucial emergency response hub, and a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in BC.

Known as Fire Station #2, is being constructed at the corner of Elk Lake Drive and Royal Oak Drive, and is replacing the outdated 3,800 square-foot facility. 

Once completed, the upgraded station will span more than 2,300 square feet, and will expand the amount of vehicles from two to eight.

Additionally, there will be a firefighter training centre and new drive-through truck bays for faster deployment during emergencies.

Its benchmark for sustainable infrastructure comes from the use of mass timber, which is a renewable building material that stores carbon and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The structure is set to achieve LEED Gold certification, as well as meet Energy Step Code level two standards.

“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.”

According to the media release, mass timber is quickly gaining traction in modern construction for its durability, climate benefits and design flexibility. It can replace traditional concrete or steel while offering a smaller environmental footprint.

“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.”

This project received $500,000 in funding from BC’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which aims to boost BC’s engineered wood products industry and highlight BC as a global leader in wood-based design and construction.