In a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 1, the RDCK, the Village of Kaslo and the Kaslo Fire Department celebrated the start of construction on the new Kaslo Emergency Services Building.
“After a decade of discussion I am really glad we have broken ground on the new fire hall,” said Andy Shadrack, RDCK director for electoral area D.
That sentiment is shared by Kaslo Mayor Greg Lay who said: “Let’s ‘git-r-done!”
The Regional District of Central Kootenay awarded the contract for phase one of the project to ENCAN Construction of Kelowna. ENCAN's construction foreman, Greg Stone of Rossland, has contracted two local heavy equipment contractors for excavation work and has hired three local area carpenters. Stone said that ENCAN will make every effort to hire local workers. He also intends on locally purchasing much of the required building supplies.
The emergency services building will be constructed in two phases. Phase one, which is forecast to be complete in March 2014, will take the building to ‘lock up’ (framing, flooring, walls, roofing, piping, electrical service, and doors).
The remainder of the project (phase two) will include the installation of Gyprock, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, heating, finishing, air supply, furnishings, etc., with each element being bid out separately and the works being managed by a project superintendent hired by the RDCK.
The RDCK is excited about this project and will keep the public posted on its progress.