The Community Fire Hall Advisory Select Committee, a group of dedicated community volunteers, has been systematically and thoroughly exploring options to help solve an important community challenge: to establish a new Fire Hall for the Town of Creston.
To kick off the community engagement, the ASC and the Town are hosting two Open Houses to share the information they have reviewed to date, and to learn more from the community-at-large.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a group of committed volunteers who have been poring over these technical reports and providing their perspective,” says Mayor Ron Toyota. “The upcoming Open Houses are an opportunity for the community to learn more about the ASC’s process and, best of all, take part in small-group conversations to ask questions, explore ideas and share insights.”
The Open Houses are based on a ‘world-café’ format to allow for more input in a small-group conversation. Two Open Houses are being held, one on Sunday afternoon and another on Monday evening, to help accommodate citizens’ schedules. People can drop in during the Open House portion to view display panels and talk to experts, committee members and staff, then stay for the presentation and small group conversations.
“Siting a Fire Hall in a community is a big community conversation,” says Ernie Polsom, technical advisor from FireWise Consulting and one of the presenters at the upcoming Open Houses. “These are important conversations that are happening across Canada today as communities come together to find ways to replace their own aging fire halls.”
Open House Programs
Sunday, June 24, 2018
• 1:30 to 2:30: Open House to view display panels and talk one-on-one with ASC members, technical experts, and Town staff
• 2:30-3:00 pm: Presentation on what the ASC has learned so far
• 3:00-4:30 pm: Breakout into rotating small groups for Q&A and discussion about what else the ASC should consider (three rotations on a variety of topics)
• 4:30-5:00 pm: Report out on what was heard in the small group discussions
Monday, June 25, 2018
• 4:00-6:00: Open House to view display panels and talk one-on-one with ASC members, technical experts, and Town staff
• 6:00-6:30 pm: Presentation on what the ASC has learned so far
• 6:30-8:00 pm: Breakout into rotating small groups for Q&A and discussion about what else the ASC should consider (three rotations on a variety of topics)
• 8:30-9:00 pm: Report out on what was heard in the small group discussions
Location: Creston Room, Creston & District Community Complex (312 19 Ave N)
If you are unable to attend one of these two Open Houses, the information, including the display panels, FAQ, and feedback form, will be available on the Town’s website at www.creston.ca, in time for the Open Houses.
You can also add your name to the Fire Hall project update email distribution list by sending an email to facilitator.cfhasc@gmail.com.
“The ASC believes strongly in reaching out to citizens for their input. These Open Houses represent a key step in sharing information – and learning more from our community,” adds ASC Facilitator Kerry McArthur. “Watch for more information and opportunities to participate in the coming months.”
The ASC is made up of dedicated community volunteers, technical experts and elected officials tasked with helping the Town identify, communicate and consult on potential options, recommendations and action items to address the deficiencies of the existing Fire Hall and meet the province’s legislative/regulatory requirements and industry standards.
For more information on the ASC and the Creston Fire Hall project, click here or drop by Town Hall.