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COSAR members and representatives of the Lapointe Foundation, City of Kelowna and Regional District of Central Okanagan alongside the concept designs for the new search and rescue facility. (submitted photo)
By Liam Verster
Search and Rescue Facility

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue getting permanent home

Jul 30, 2025 | 2:21 PM

The search and rescue society that serves the the region has finally secured a place to call home.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) said “after seven decades of operating out of garages, barns, and borrowed firehalls,” the organization will be obtaining its own place to call home.

The Lapointe Foundation has come to the group’s aide and fully funding the construction of the new COSAR building.

The City of Kelowna has also donated the land for the new operations hub, with the Regional District of Central Okanagan also committing to servicing the site. The Vernon Search and Rescue Society will also support this project by providing plans and advice for the facility, as that group just had their new home built and ready for use in May of 2023.

COSAR, which is B.C.’s oldest all-volunteer search and rescue society, added “the building is more than bricks and beams. It’s a commitment to serve our community better, faster, and safer – for decades to come.”

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