Support for the Bulkley Emergency Support Service (ESS) to move into the Ranger Park Building basement was voiced at last night’s (Tuesday) Smithers Commitee of the Whole meeting.
The Edge Learning Centre Programs Director Sarah Wright also spoke at the meeting with their wishes to operate the basement.
“Our main request is, is it feasible for us to be able to look at sharing it with emergency services,” she said.
The centre’s goal for the space is to turn it into a multi-purpose space for running programs and activities.
Edge has also been working with a Foundry committee who identified the space as being preferential for running programs if they start.
“The other frame of what we’re looking at is being able to open that space for creative arts and multi-purpose use,” said Wright.
She added the centre’s been trying to apply for funding to expand their services with not knowing if they can get the extra space holding them back.
“It was like, we can’t get upstairs. Now upstairs isn’t a thing so the conversations around the basement and being able to move into that has been more than a year. Then out of nowhere, it’s not an option.”
ESS is planning to use the basement space as a storage and training area as they’re outgrowing the current space at the Smithers Fire Hall.
Also, in their proposal is to move the Emergency Operations Centre to the second floor of the building.
“One of the things that’s confusing to me about the building is during my years at this table, we’ve gone from considering tearing the building down because we were told it wasn’t worth investing in, to making some space available for various not for profit groups,” said Mayor Gladys Atrill.
Councilor Frank Wray said what changed to him was the Resource Benefits Alliance funding and that there are more organizations looking for space.
“In an ideal world, we probably wouldn’t use it. It’s going to cost a lot to bring it up to code but hopefully we’re getting grants for a lot of this,” he added.
Councilors Genevieve Paterson and Sam Raven both expressed support for ESS operating the basement.
“I’ll always prioritize ESS over others, because I think people don’t think about it until we need it and I hope we don’t need it,” said Paterson.
“I support the recommendation understanding everyone is constrained for space,” said Raven.
ESS is also looking at expanding into Houston, Granisle, and Witset with volunteers from those communities being provided space locally.
A final decision on who will get the space will be made at the council meeting next Tuesday. (Jan. 28)
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