Squamish's Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue team is looking for a permanent home. And it's hoping the District of Squamish can help.
The 19-member unit has outgrown its small, unheated trailer at the Squamish Yacht Club, station leader Dan Price told council at Committee of the Whole on Tuesday (March 18). The rescue team's two boats are moored at the yacht club, yet its training equipment is housed at the district's Emergency Operation Centre. Having gear spread out is problematic for rescue responses and unit cohesiveness, Price noted in a letter handed to council.
We are basically outgrowing where we are right now, he said, adding that the community is also growing and the waters are getting busier.
The unit started operating in 2009. In just over four years, it's been involved in 66 emergency marine incidents. Last year, the team responded to 23 calls. The unit is one of the only rescue stations on the B.C. coast that has two dedicated high-speed vessels, Price said.
Ninety per cent of our members are first responders, he said, adding the team assists with fire calls on the water and oil spills.
The unit wants to get its foot in the door before it's too late. Squamish Oceanfront negotiations are underway and the municipality is making plans for its recently acquired waterfront lot between Loggers Lane and the Mamquam Blind Channel, Price said. The unit wants to work with municipal officials to find a suitable piece of property with water access.
The station's presence could add security to a site, as team members would use the facility every day, Price noted. It could also add a safety net to public parks that have launches and beach access, he said. Such a set-up has worked well in Nanaimo, where its unit is attached to a water access and a paddling club, Price said.
Coun. Ron Sander asked whether unit members talked with Squamish Terminals. The team did meet with port staff; however, required security measures at the facility don't make the terminals an ideal location for the team, Price said.
Council passed a motion directing staff to work with the marine rescue unit. As a boater himself, Coun. Doug Race said he recognized the service the unit provides.
This is a good time to start talking about [a permanent home], he said.
As a volunteer organization, with no government funding, the unit is fundraising for future plans, Price said. The unit aims to bring in $750,000.
