Safety partnership keeps region safe

The Glenmore Protective Services Campus (GPSC) is a $49 million investment in the safety and resilience of North Glenmore and entire region. Originally conceived as the replacement for the aging Glenmore Fire Hall No. 5, the project has evolved into a multi-agency, all-inclusive protective services and training campus. 

On July 30, a partnership that includes the City of Kelowna, Regional District of the Central Okanagan (RDCO), Province of B.C. and the Barry Lapointe Foundation gathered at the Kelowna Flightcraft Centre of Excellence to confirm funding for the future home of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR).

COSAR has been in desperate need for a permanent facility for many years and in a couple of years they will move into a state-of-the-art facility on a campus that includes a new firehall and a training centre.

“This is probably the best thing that has happened in our 70 years of existence,” said Ed Henczel, Operations Manager for COSAR.

B.C.’s oldest all-volunteer SAR team is consistently among the busiest of the 78 SAR groups in the province. In recent years, it has expanded from traditional searches to dealing with climate change emergencies including floods, landslides, and wildfire evacuations.

The Glenmore Protective Services Campus, located along John Hindle Drive, ensures the growing northern portion of the community – UBCO, the landfill, airport and new residential and commercial properties – are protected by their proximity to the new 25,000-square-foot firehall. 

Construction of the project is expected to start this autumn and is estimated to open in 2027.

GPSC will serve as a key logistical and operational base for large emergency events, including wildfire response in the Central Okanagan. Co-locating key agencies fosters better collaboration, resource-sharing, and response coordination during multi-agency incidents.  

“Central Okanagan Search and Rescue’s dedicated volunteers are there when our community needs them most. This new facility is an investment in them — and in the safety of our community during emergencies,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “As part of the City of Kelowna’s plan for the Glenmore Protective Services Campus, it will strengthen our emergency response capabilities and ensure we are better prepared for the challenges ahead.” 

The community benefits of the Glenmore Protective Services Campus include:

Support Hub: The GPSC will serve as a key logistical and operational base for large emergency events, wildfire response in the Central Okanagan. 

Public Safety Integration: Putting key agencies together fosters better collaboration, resource-sharing, and response coordination during multi-agency incidents. 

Regional Resilience: The GPSC strengthens emergency service coverage for Kelowna’s rapidly growing North Glenmore area and improves regional service levels across the Okanagan. 

Facility Modernization: The GPSC allows the City to meet contemporary building and post-disaster standards while returning the existing Station 5 land to the ALR, honoring commitments made to the Agricultural Land Commission. 

Training and Recruitment: On-site training facilities support ongoing firefighter training and recruitment initiatives, providing hands-on learning environments that will benefit multiple departments and agencies