The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors Feb. 13 approved a decision to move forward with constructing a new, purpose-built fire hall for the Hosmer Fire Department on property located at the intersection of Dicken and Kmiecik Road.

The decision follows an extended review process that included technical assessments, community input, and the evaluation of multiple options for the future of fire services infrastructure in Hosmer.

“This decision was never just about a building,” said Electoral Area A Director Thomas McDonald. “It’s tied to history, identity, and deep pride in the Hosmer community. Early on, we heard concerns that the process had moved too fast and not everyone felt included or informed—so we paused and stepped back to ensure all perspectives were fully considered with the help of technical experts, staff, and the community.”

Over the course of the review, the RDEK considered the condition of the existing fire hall, the feasibility of renovation or rebuilding in place, and potential regional service options, including discussions related to neighbouring communities.

“I want to acknowledge the very real attachment many residents feel to the current fire hall,” said McDonald.

“For some people, it holds memories and represents years of volunteer service and community effort. Wanting to keep it where it is comes from pride—not resistance to change. Those voices matter, and they helped shape a more careful and thoughtful process.”

After weighing all the options, and considering the technical information and operational requirements, the board made the decision to proceed with a new, purpose-built facility.

The new hall is intended to better meet modern fire service needs, including appropriate space and functionality for equipment, training and building code requirements now and into the future.

The selected approach also supports continued use of the existing community hall by separating fire services needs from the current shared structure.

“Through the advisory group and conversations with residents, it was abundantly clear how important the community hall is,” stressed McDonald. “It’s where people gather, where events happen, and where the community stays connected. This decision helps us meet the needs of the fire service while also protecting the spaces that matter to residents. Working with the recreation society and seeking funding to support the community hall will remain a separate, but high priority for me.”

With the board’s decision on the fire hall location, RDEK staff will now proceed with the next steps in the process including negotiating an agreement for the purchase of the land as a previous agreement has expired.

Once that agreement is in place, a rezoning and subdivision process for the property would be required.

The RDEK will continue to share updates with the community as the project progresses.

“I want to recognize and thank the residents who participated and shared perspectives, the advisory group members who contributed time and local knowledge, staff who supported the technical review, and the Hosmer Fire Department for continuing to serve the community while operating out of a facility with known challenges,” said McDonald.

“This hasn’t been an easy conversation, and it’s okay that not everyone will agree. Disagreement is part of a healthy community. What matters is that people were heard, the work was careful, and the decision was made with the long-term best interests of Hosmer and the fire service in mind.”

The board’s decision concludes a process that began in 2020, when the RDEK identified the current Hosmer Fire Hall could not sustainably meet space and operational needs.

Following the 2022 election, newly elected Electoral Area A Director McDonald, requested board authorization to pause the project, initiate additional technical assessments and review of all potential options, and undertake community consultation in response to residents’ concerns.

The board considered the updated information and input and made its decision at the RDEK board meeting last Friday.

Information and a more detailed background on the project can be found on the Hosmer Fire Hall project page engage.rdek.bc.ca/hosmerfirehall.

Lead image: The current Hosmer Fire Hall, which is also contains Hosmer Community Hall.  e-KNOW file photos

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