Saturna Island Fire Protection Society News
By Bernie Ziegler
Head, SIFPS Communications Committee
The Construction Project
Construction of the two new Emergency Services Buildings (ESBs) is moving ahead at full speed. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC/Mechanical work, including inspections and permits by the province, should be completed by the time this issue goes to press. The fire safety engineer has signed off on the firewall, which is designed to withstand fire for two hours. With the approval of the firewall, the CRD has issued the final building permits.
The interior insulation job has been awarded to local tradesmen. Work is scheduled to begin during the first week of December. Competitive bids for drywall and finishing are coming in, and work is scheduled to start once the insulation is installed.
Perimeter drainage and work on the septic system and its connection at the East Point site is completed and is under discussion for ESB#1. This work at ESB#1, as well as water catchment and storage, should commence before the end of the year.
Hydro connections at both sites are ready, awaiting electrical inspection. Due to the need for a 2-hour firewall, interior windows had to be eliminated, resulting in bit of a cost saving.
Overall construction costs remain within budget. As of this writing, roughly $793,000 has been spent on the construction of both buildings, with a further $192,000 committed. At this time, the full construction contingency fund remains unused and available, if needed. Based on the budget, it is anticipated that a further $147,000 or so will be needed to bring both buildings to completion. As of the end of November, SIFPS has drawn $400,000 from its TD construction loan, with a further $100,000expected to be needed in December. The important point is that construction is under budget and on time.
Board Resignation
In other news, Hugh Grasswick has handed in his resignation from the board of directors of SIFPS, effective December 31, 2010. Hugh, who was one of the founding members of SIFPS and an active firefighter on Saturna for many years, has decided to move on to the next phase of his life – real retirement. All members of SIFPS, as well as of the community at large, owe Hugh a huge debt of gratitude for his long and unselfish service to Saturna. His advice and experience will be missed around the SIFPS board table. If you are so inclined, give Hugh a hug the next time you see him. He deserves it.
The SIFPS Nomination Committee is looking for someone to step up and take Hugh’s place. If you are interested in becoming a member of the SIFPS board, contact John Savage (jws@savageconsultants.com) or Ron Hall (rhall@telus.net).
Generous Donations
Finally, the SIFPS board of directors wishes to thank the Saturna Lions Club for their offer to donate up to $5,000 toward the purchase of the Jaws of Life for our first responders. The Lions have also donated in excess of $2,500 to assist with SIR Chief David Rees-Thomas’ living expenses and accommodation while he is getting his EMR re-certification in Victoria, Rayanne House’s living expenses and loss of wages while she is pursuing her OFA3 course in Victoria, as well as Amanda Pearson’s per diem expenses, while she is taking a five-day OFA level 1 plus transport instructor course in Vancouver. Congratulations to the Saturna Lions Club for superb community support!