$250,000 in provincial gaming grants will allow construction to begin on a new headquarters for Arrowsmith Search and Rescue. Currently, the organizations five trucks, two trailers and off-road ambulance are stored throughout the Oceanside region. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Funding announcement

Arrowsmith SAR lands huge grant to build new hall

Dec 27, 2019 | 3:35 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Christmas came early for Arrowsmith Search and Rescue.

The Oceanside based non-profit organization was recently awarded a substantial $250,000 provincial gaming grant to allow construction of a new headquarters in Qualicum Beach.

Arrowsmith SAR president Nick Rivers said the new larger facility on the grounds of the municipally owned Qualicum Beach Airport is a significant step forward.

“It’s phenomenal, it’s something we’ve been working toward for the past six years, it’s pretty amazing.”

Rivers expected ground to break next spring for the building to feature three drive-through bays at an estimated cost of $800,000.

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He said about $200,000 more needs to be raised to fully cover the costs for “a shell” of a building to house all of their vehicles. Rivers said on-site training and office space will eventually be included, however the necessary funds aren’t available at this time.

Rivers said their current Whiskey Creek home beside the Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Dept. has space restrictions and isn’t centrally located.

“Being so close to both highways, we’ll be just minutes from really anywhere. I think it’s going to make a huge difference.”

Rivers said the plan is to move their operations to Qualicum Beach in three years when their current lease expires.

He said a 40-year lease agreement is in the works with the Town of Qualicum Beach in order to establish a long-term presence in the community.

He said the officials in Qualicum Beach are excited about the initiative and have been extremely accommodating.

“Hopefully this will allow us to blossom into the organization we’ve always wanted to be,” Rivers said.

Arrowsmith SAR responded to 54 incidents in 2019, primarily involving lost or missing individuals in the region’s vast back-country.

Information on donating funds to Arrowsmith SAR or helping to boost their volunteer ranks are available here.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com
On Twitter: @reporterholmes.