Steel frame of new search and rescue building on Silver Star Road. The facility is expected to open in the fall of 2023. (Photo credit: RDNO)

By Pete McIntyre

RDNO project

New search and rescue headquarters taking shape

Sep 23, 2022 | 6:00 AM

Construction on the future new home of Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) has reached a milestone.

The pre-fabricated steel frame has now been erected at the site on Silver Star Road (near tekmar Control Systems), and the building is on target for completion next fall.

“After much planning and site preparation, we are overjoyed to reach a milestone where you can physically see the shape of the building. It makes us even more excited to move into the new purpose-built space that will meet our needs far better than our current facility,” said Mark Forsyth, search manager with VSAR.

“We are thankful to the RDNO board of directors and staff for your collaboration and efforts in this project thus far,” said Forsyth.

Over the years, Vernon Search and Rescue’s membership has grown along with the amount of equipment it uses for its various rescue missions. The RDNO owns the current VSAR facility on Aberdeen Road in Coldstream and facilitated an expansion in 2004, but a second expansion was impossible due to the surrounding wetlands’ environmental sensitivities. Without the option to expand the existing facility, the RDNO and VSAR decided that a new building was required.

23 Starts in October

Local housing starts still down on annual basis

12h ago

MyCity Services

Online service available for Vernon's utility, tax and licensing billing

13h ago

Operations, Staffing Changes

O'Keefe Ranch made slight changes to address financial challenges this year

13h ago

In 2018, the public approved the borrowing of $3.5 million through an Alternative Approval Process, and since then, the RDNO and VSAR have worked to secure a location, determine facility needs, and get the project to the construction phase.

Over the winter, crews will focus on interior works, like plumbing, electrical, and drywall.

Click here for more details on the project.