The temporary garage going up to house Oak Bay’s newest fire truck remains a blank slate – with council open to it being used as an art space in the future.
The building will go up adjacent to the existing police and fire building at 1703 Monterey Ave. to house the new 2023 Smeal 105-foot rear mount aerial ladder truck expected in service next spring.
Chief Frank McDonald recently told the Oak Bay News he headed to Nebraska for a first inspection of the department’s newest purchase in late November. The truck replaces the 2002 ladder truck that reached the end of its service life in July and was scheduled for replacement this year.
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Its site placement means the sides of the unit aren’t visible from the road, but are from the nearby buildings and park.
Council had a peek at the look of the large container that will house the new truck, as staff recently provided renderings with potential design elements to match the fire hall. Alternatively, the building could remain blank or be wrapped later with images.
While she appreciated the desire to fit in with existing buildings, Coun. Carrie Smart worried the elements were in the mimic realm of the heritage hall next door.
“We’re looking to complement but not copy,” she said.
Others around the table were indifferent to the faux brick but backed the removal with Mayor Kevin Murdoch and Coun. Hazel Braithwaite opposed.
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With a blank canvas and potential for community art, council ensured the item will be referred to the parks, recreation and culture committee to look at options for the space on the side of the structure.
In response to Braithwaite’s ask, staff said a decal wrap of about 8x10 feet would cost $2,000 to 3,000 and is something that could be done at any time.
Another concern that garnered attention, was highlighted by Coun. Esther Paterson noting the change in use of the high pedestrian traffic area – with an active fire truck exiting the new building.
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“Keeping in mind that it’s a temporary emergency services building, my concern is that the building – in whatever form it is – should be as prominently visible as the existing fire hall bays are. I’m not looking for a building that blends in or disappears,” Paterson said. “It’s going to be very important I think to convey to people who have been using the site for decades that there’s a change in traffic pattern and they have to be aware of it.”