The new search and rescue boathouse that will be located at the Main Street Landing Wharf represents a significant investment in local emergency services.
Located within the District of Sicamous’ water tenure, this facility will enhance the ability of Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue Station 106 to respond quickly to emergencies and ensure their equipment is well-maintained, reinforcing the safety and resilience of our community.
About the Facility
The self-contained rescue boathouse is 62 feet by 44 feet.
Construction of the boathouse began in 2022.
The boathouse will have solar powers, heat pumps and an interior mesh deck system that is sensitive for fish habitat.
The boathouse will have a washroom for crew members.
The boathouse will have a "Mission Ready Room" for the storage of response gear and provide the station with a place to meet for planning and after-action debriefs.
"The rescue base permits much quicker emergency launches of our vessels and crews, with a fully equipped and heated ready room. Per our mandate, we'll be underway within 20 to 30 minutes of a call. It will reduce the time consuming need to clean snow and ice off the vessels and expensive maintenance required each spring and summer as our vessels remain out in the environment over the winter months." - RCMSAR Station 106
Overall, RCMSAR Station 106 believes that the boathouse will decrease damage to the rescue vessels and prolong the lifespan of the external components of navigational equipment.
Location proposed at June 12, 2024 committee of the whole meeting
RCMSAR Station 106 participating in a multi-agency training exercise
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station #106 (Shuswap) attended the June 12 committee of the whole meeting as a delegation to request council's support for placing their new rescue boathouse on the Main Street Landing wharf.
After discussing the delegation, council passed the following resolution:
Resolution # 24-42
THAT the committee support the request from Shuswap Lifeboat Society to allow the placement of a 62’ self-contained floating rescue boathouse at the end of the Main Street dock within the current boundaries of the District of Sicamous provincial tenure.
Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 106 is a volunteer-based search and rescue service for both Shuswap Lake and Mara Lake. They operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, with two vessels dedicated to saving lives on the water. Formed in 2012, Station 106 was the first RCMSAR station established on inland waters in BC. Visit their website!
