It has been a while since I last managed to post anything new, so here is what I remember since last time. First off, we have been rather busy with calls as of late. Surprisingly, the biggest amount of calls seems to be motor vehicle incidents. The most serious of these have happened in the last few days. The first involved three vehicles, however only two were damaged as the third car spun out to avoid the other collision. One car crossing the centre line appears to be the instigating factor in this one. No serious injuries, however a lot of damage to vehicles. Another collision occured late at night across from the Fuse Restaraunt when a car (only 2 days old) lost control while avoiding a deer. (well actually the driver lost control). The car hit and broke a pole off at the base. Likely the vehicle will be written off. Again, thanks to air bags, no injuries.
A batch of alarm calls has come in. Several have involved CO 2 detectors. In one case, elevated levels of CO2 were detected. The owners did admit that were not feeling well over the past few days and actually shut the detector off due to the noise. In another house, the CO2 detector went off to lower than normal oxygen levels in the house. With all windows and doors sealed up tight and the air exchange vents closed, the homeowners were actually breathing down the oxygen levels. Normal levels are 21% in these parts and the home was at 19.5%. Not enough to cause any problems, but it does show how today's newer homes are sealed up so tightly, not only can't the house breathe, but the occupants may begin to suffer.
Still no word on the new pick up truck to replace 209. Hopefully it should be here within the month. The truck committee has begun work on specing out the new apparatus to replace 204.
Work has begun on the framing portion of the first building in the Mariners development. Look for rapid changes as this structure moves forward. Four additional buildings surrounding this one will begin soon as well. This will put an entire new look on the downtown core.
Speaking of which, the new entrance to Evergreen Mall has now opened. This new alignment was completed to allow access to the new traffic circle that will be constructed here this summer.
Work has begun on new townhouses on Townsend Road. There will be approximately 20 units in this development.
New work cabinets were purchased for the fire station. These replaced the old and not very suitable wooden benches over by the workshop. If anyone is interested in these old cabinets, they are here for the taking.
A new computer has been installed in the command vehicle. With a live link to Langford Dispatch, we can now obtain maps and dispatch information directly on screen. With time, building preplans will be placed on this unit with the ability to print maps, floor plans, site plans and more right in the vehicle for use on the emergency scene. If this proves successful, we will look at a similar unit in the duty officer truck next year.
The FD Annual report is now completed. This is a review of what we accomplished in 2010. A copy is available in the coffee room. If you would like a copy of your own, let me know and I will send you a PDF version for your home viewing pleasure.
Well that is it for now. More on a later post.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
What's Happening in Sooke - Construction Update
Still lots of construction activity in Sooke. Here is a brief update on some of the projects underway or soon to begin or just completed:
Shoppers Drug Mart is now open. This building is rather large and is fully sprinklered. In the event of an alarm, firefighters will be alerted to the FD Sprinkler connection by the blue strobe light. This will become common place on new larger buildings in the community.
Prestige Hotel is moving along. One wing is nearing completion, with the restaraunt also moving quickly. The convention floor still has a lot of work to do. Within the other wing, drywall work is underway. The boat launch will soon be back under construction (waiting for the final permit) In conjunction with this will be a new pier for public use that will also house the Coast Guard Auxilary rescue boat and eventually a spot for float planes to tie up. Fuel sales are also proposed. Eventually another section of the Boardwalk will also be constructed here along with a new marina for the hotel.
The first building in the Wenstob Industrial Park is now open after receiving his occupancy permit. At the moment, it is mostly storage inside but future plans are hoping for a sound stage and movie making opportunities. This site is located on Idlemore Road.
Also on Idlemore, Dale Arden will be constructing a new large storage building on his property. Proposed use is antique auto repair.
A new church has been proposed on Townsend Road to replace the old St Rose of Lima Church across from the high school. This is currently going through the approval process
The old Payless site has been declared clean and hazardous materials free. An announcement on use of this site is expected soon.
A new townhouse site is currently at the excavation stage on Townsend Road. About 20+ units to be located here.
New Portables are to be installed at Poirier and Sooke Elementary to house new all day kindergarten classes that will be starting in the new term.
A ten lot subdivision has been approved on West Coast Road across from Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina.
Another ten or so lot subdivision has also been approved on Maple Ave.
The site behind Station 1 (Tara Place) has been approved for a three lot subdivion.
20+ lots have been approved at a site on Wright Road.
A proposal for a 135 +/- lot subdivision on the old golf course property on Otter Point Road has gone back to the drawing board as council and staff had some concerns over the narrow roadways being proposed for this site.
Work on the entrance way to Evergreen Mall has been stalled for a while as there are currently no asphalt plants operating. It will have to be gravel for a while longer.
Mariners Village is moving along rapidly. The first building (building 7) has had the underground parking area completed with the slab now being constructed. Framing will soon begin for the next 5 floors. Excavation work will begin within the next week or so for the next 4 buildings that will surround this current structure. These will be 4 storey - 4 unit townhouse blocks. The developers have already been in to propose the next phase that will include the works along Sooke Road. Currently they are reviewing their parking requirements. In one proposal a three storey underground parking garage is being considered. On top of this structure will be five separate multi use buildings. Work on this section and the start of the marina expansion is expected to get underway this summer.
Renovations are underway to the exterior of the old Coast Capital (or Sooke Seniors ) building to house a new dental office.
The Spiritwood development has been approved for approximately 450 units in an area near Firwood Road and Maple Park Terrace. Infrastructure working including expansion of the sewer system is expected to get underway, possibly this spring.
The salmon interpretation centre and fish hatchery on Sooke River Road near Charters Creek are nearing the end of construction. This facility should be opening soon.
Several expansion plans for Ayre Manor have been proposed in a multi year plan that could see the capacity of this site over double its current occupancy.
The Sea Flora building on Otter Point Road is nearing the end of construction and will be applying for an occupancy permit soon. (this is the new green building near the Grant Road intersection)
The first townhouse building on the Eustace / Gatewood corner is nearly complete. Further buildings of this type will be constructed on this site.
Work continues on several existing subdivisions as they continue to expand. This includes Caldwell Road, Aaronwood Road, Churchill Meadows, Stone Ridge Phase 1 and Phase 2 (access of Mountain Heights). Some smaller subdivisions currently underway can be found on French Road at Larkspur, Townsend Road near Rhodonite, corner of Maple and Grant and several along Grant Road. A new 20 lot section for SunRiver is also in the planning stages. The large acreage subdivision of Gillespie Road(only accessible through Metchosin at the moment) will soon be ready for the first houses to be built. Approximately 2 dozen large lots will be on this site. Work continues on the Kendrew Property (Phillips Road) This rural subdivision which allows 4 houses on ten acre lots will have a total of about 65 homes when completed. Currently about 10 have been constructed or are underway.
Work on the Sooke Arenas new dressing rooms and concession expansion are nearly completed.
Developers continue to work on plans for the Grouse Nest Properties. The current projection if this goes ahead would be for about 800 units with some light commercial properties to be included.
While I am sure there are few more proposals out there, this gives you a taste of what is going on in Sooke. (And you thought the construction economy was lagging in our area)
Shoppers Drug Mart is now open. This building is rather large and is fully sprinklered. In the event of an alarm, firefighters will be alerted to the FD Sprinkler connection by the blue strobe light. This will become common place on new larger buildings in the community.
Prestige Hotel is moving along. One wing is nearing completion, with the restaraunt also moving quickly. The convention floor still has a lot of work to do. Within the other wing, drywall work is underway. The boat launch will soon be back under construction (waiting for the final permit) In conjunction with this will be a new pier for public use that will also house the Coast Guard Auxilary rescue boat and eventually a spot for float planes to tie up. Fuel sales are also proposed. Eventually another section of the Boardwalk will also be constructed here along with a new marina for the hotel.
The first building in the Wenstob Industrial Park is now open after receiving his occupancy permit. At the moment, it is mostly storage inside but future plans are hoping for a sound stage and movie making opportunities. This site is located on Idlemore Road.
Also on Idlemore, Dale Arden will be constructing a new large storage building on his property. Proposed use is antique auto repair.
A new church has been proposed on Townsend Road to replace the old St Rose of Lima Church across from the high school. This is currently going through the approval process
The old Payless site has been declared clean and hazardous materials free. An announcement on use of this site is expected soon.
A new townhouse site is currently at the excavation stage on Townsend Road. About 20+ units to be located here.
New Portables are to be installed at Poirier and Sooke Elementary to house new all day kindergarten classes that will be starting in the new term.
A ten lot subdivision has been approved on West Coast Road across from Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina.
Another ten or so lot subdivision has also been approved on Maple Ave.
The site behind Station 1 (Tara Place) has been approved for a three lot subdivion.
20+ lots have been approved at a site on Wright Road.
A proposal for a 135 +/- lot subdivision on the old golf course property on Otter Point Road has gone back to the drawing board as council and staff had some concerns over the narrow roadways being proposed for this site.
Work on the entrance way to Evergreen Mall has been stalled for a while as there are currently no asphalt plants operating. It will have to be gravel for a while longer.
Mariners Village is moving along rapidly. The first building (building 7) has had the underground parking area completed with the slab now being constructed. Framing will soon begin for the next 5 floors. Excavation work will begin within the next week or so for the next 4 buildings that will surround this current structure. These will be 4 storey - 4 unit townhouse blocks. The developers have already been in to propose the next phase that will include the works along Sooke Road. Currently they are reviewing their parking requirements. In one proposal a three storey underground parking garage is being considered. On top of this structure will be five separate multi use buildings. Work on this section and the start of the marina expansion is expected to get underway this summer.
Renovations are underway to the exterior of the old Coast Capital (or Sooke Seniors ) building to house a new dental office.
The Spiritwood development has been approved for approximately 450 units in an area near Firwood Road and Maple Park Terrace. Infrastructure working including expansion of the sewer system is expected to get underway, possibly this spring.
The salmon interpretation centre and fish hatchery on Sooke River Road near Charters Creek are nearing the end of construction. This facility should be opening soon.
Several expansion plans for Ayre Manor have been proposed in a multi year plan that could see the capacity of this site over double its current occupancy.
The Sea Flora building on Otter Point Road is nearing the end of construction and will be applying for an occupancy permit soon. (this is the new green building near the Grant Road intersection)
The first townhouse building on the Eustace / Gatewood corner is nearly complete. Further buildings of this type will be constructed on this site.
Work continues on several existing subdivisions as they continue to expand. This includes Caldwell Road, Aaronwood Road, Churchill Meadows, Stone Ridge Phase 1 and Phase 2 (access of Mountain Heights). Some smaller subdivisions currently underway can be found on French Road at Larkspur, Townsend Road near Rhodonite, corner of Maple and Grant and several along Grant Road. A new 20 lot section for SunRiver is also in the planning stages. The large acreage subdivision of Gillespie Road(only accessible through Metchosin at the moment) will soon be ready for the first houses to be built. Approximately 2 dozen large lots will be on this site. Work continues on the Kendrew Property (Phillips Road) This rural subdivision which allows 4 houses on ten acre lots will have a total of about 65 homes when completed. Currently about 10 have been constructed or are underway.
Work on the Sooke Arenas new dressing rooms and concession expansion are nearly completed.
Developers continue to work on plans for the Grouse Nest Properties. The current projection if this goes ahead would be for about 800 units with some light commercial properties to be included.
While I am sure there are few more proposals out there, this gives you a taste of what is going on in Sooke. (And you thought the construction economy was lagging in our area)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Snowfall Creates Havoc on Sooke Roads
Firefighters were out in force Tuesday night beginning about 8:00 pm when the first of many calls for cars off the road were received. The hill at Sunny Shores Resort proved to be the worst part as car after car spun out or ended up sliding off the road. Thanks to efforts of many firefighters and tow trucks, cars were put back on the road to recovery. It was quite amazing to see how many people that cannot drive in the white stuff still think that they should be out when conditions are poor. I think we lost track of the number of vehicles that slid off in that area. Another car was off the road near Saseenos Road with three more in the ditch near Mulligans Restaurant. Made for an intersting night. While out for these calls, crews also responded to a medical call at the arena where someone had fallen. The new snow plow got a great workout though and proved to be a reliable piece of equipment as it plowed through the snow at both fire stations and the municipal hall.
The next morning proved to be just as busy as DC McLeod spent four hours guarding live hydro lines that a tree had fallen into on Francis Road. Due to the many power outages, it was a long wait for Hydro crews. While on this scene another call came in for a gazebo on fire. This turned out to be the reflection of rain drops in high winds passing in front of a light. From a distance this appeared to be a fire.
On another note, the new Shoppers Drug Mart has opened. A blue flashing light has been placed above the FD Sprinkler connection. These will be installed on all future large sprinklered buildings and will flash when the building is in alarm. This way firefighters will easily spot the location of the connection.
The first of the Wenstob Industrial warehouse buildings received its occupancy approval today. This massive concrete building is located on Idlemore Road. Currently the building contains lumber but it may become the site of movie productions in the future.
The next morning proved to be just as busy as DC McLeod spent four hours guarding live hydro lines that a tree had fallen into on Francis Road. Due to the many power outages, it was a long wait for Hydro crews. While on this scene another call came in for a gazebo on fire. This turned out to be the reflection of rain drops in high winds passing in front of a light. From a distance this appeared to be a fire.
On another note, the new Shoppers Drug Mart has opened. A blue flashing light has been placed above the FD Sprinkler connection. These will be installed on all future large sprinklered buildings and will flash when the building is in alarm. This way firefighters will easily spot the location of the connection.
The first of the Wenstob Industrial warehouse buildings received its occupancy approval today. This massive concrete building is located on Idlemore Road. Currently the building contains lumber but it may become the site of movie productions in the future.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
More Chimney Fires
We seem to be setting a record for chimney fires this winter season as four more have occurred within the past few days. Ladder 1 certainly proved beneficial at once instance as the roof was covered in frost and would have been a tricky exercise working off ground ladders. Smoke was also observed coming from between the stainless steel liner and the original masonary chimney indicating that there may be a hole or crack in the liner. The owners were advised to have it inspected before reuse. In the latest instance, a fireplace insert was removed and evidence of burning was observed behind the steel surround plate. It also appeared that the damper had been broken. Again the owner was advised to have the chimney inspected before starting another fire. So for all of you with a woodstove, it might be a good idea to have yours cleaned before the fire department is called to your house.
Friday, January 7, 2011
News of the Day
The first FD training session of the year was held yesterday. Captain Murray Lambert gave a short but informative presentation on Critical Incident Stress on how members of the fire department can become victims of this due to the types of situations that emergency workers face. The department has several members trained as CISM counsellors and you are encouraged to use them if you find yourself in this situation. More information is available on the OH&S bulletin board.
Councillor Dumont, Director of Finance Sue Lin Tarnowski and two representatives of Epcor (Terri Moore and Tami Whetmore) led an informative discussion on the proposed 21 year franchise agreement being proposed for the operation of the Sooke sewer system. Some good questions were raised and I think everyone is now better informed on what the options are. It was even suggested that some people may be interested in a tour of the plant to see how the operation works. If this is something you would like to do, let me know and we will make the arrangements.
Finally a discussion on the goals for the fire department in 2011 was presented. This included apparatus and fire station plans, staffing issues, attendance standards, fitness standards and more. The annual Performance Test will be returning sometime this spring for all active members. The use of the gym was discussed. It appears more people are interested in joining the gym in Sooke than investing anything in the one we have here, therefore there will be no upgrades, repairs or maintenance of this facility other than what is currently being done by the users. A reminder that those interested in working at the fire station as relief workers when career staff are away, should have FF Level 2 qualifications. In some cases, we will also require that the relief person be pump qualified. Those with FF 1 qualifications will only be slotted in if no Level 2 personnel are available. (this may encourage some of you to complete your training)
The snow removal equipment is now operational on the new DOS Engineering vehicles. All we need now is some snow. This should improve safety and operations around the fire stations as will no longer have to wait for a private contractor to fit us into their schedule as we will be able to do the clearing as neccessary.
Councillor Dumont, Director of Finance Sue Lin Tarnowski and two representatives of Epcor (Terri Moore and Tami Whetmore) led an informative discussion on the proposed 21 year franchise agreement being proposed for the operation of the Sooke sewer system. Some good questions were raised and I think everyone is now better informed on what the options are. It was even suggested that some people may be interested in a tour of the plant to see how the operation works. If this is something you would like to do, let me know and we will make the arrangements.
Finally a discussion on the goals for the fire department in 2011 was presented. This included apparatus and fire station plans, staffing issues, attendance standards, fitness standards and more. The annual Performance Test will be returning sometime this spring for all active members. The use of the gym was discussed. It appears more people are interested in joining the gym in Sooke than investing anything in the one we have here, therefore there will be no upgrades, repairs or maintenance of this facility other than what is currently being done by the users. A reminder that those interested in working at the fire station as relief workers when career staff are away, should have FF Level 2 qualifications. In some cases, we will also require that the relief person be pump qualified. Those with FF 1 qualifications will only be slotted in if no Level 2 personnel are available. (this may encourage some of you to complete your training)
The snow removal equipment is now operational on the new DOS Engineering vehicles. All we need now is some snow. This should improve safety and operations around the fire stations as will no longer have to wait for a private contractor to fit us into their schedule as we will be able to do the clearing as neccessary.
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