A community effort is helping to put the finishing touches on the North Saanich Fire Hall.
This past week, the hall got two new signs for the building, both of which were products of the community rallying around the hall to finish it off.
“After the project was complete we really didn’t have a budget left for doing all the little finishing touches like the signs outside,” explained North Saanich Fire Chief Gary Wilton.
“It’s really nice to see the community collaborate like they have and chip in.”
The main fire hall sign hung by the front entrance of the building this week was created out of scrap wood and carved by Parkland Secondary School teachers and students.
“We used it as a lesson and demonstration for the students and they got to see how the CNC (computerized numerical controlled) router worked and what the finished product looked like,” explained Parkland woodworking and marine repair teacher Tyler Caddell.
The paint and finishing touches were put on by Wilton and the volunteer firefighters.
“It’s really nice to be able to collaborate with the local schools on a project like this,” said Wilton.
The second carved wood sign, which was professionally made and features the department’s insignia, is hung over the truck bays. It was a donation from Rosemary Scott and the Deep Cove Market.
“She and her sisters hosted a garage sale type event and they were able to raise $2,000 for the sign to be made which just shows how invested our community is in the department,” said Wilton, adding that the department is beyond appreciative of all the help they’ve received.
“That’s what a community is all about,” he said.
NSVFD Fundraiser this weekend
The North Saanich Volunteer Fire Department and the Torquemasters are hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, March 22 to put the finishing touches on the hall’s new training tower.
The fundraiser, called Paint the Tower, will feature a garage sale, a barbecue breakfast and lunch by donation, hot rods on display, fire truck rides and emergency preparedness displays.
The event takes place at the North Saanich Fire Hall (986 Wain Rd.) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.