After 17 years on Pioneer Avenue, Kent Harrison Search and Rescue (KHSAR) is celebrating the opening of its new building at 7664 Industrial Way, Agassiz.
KHSAR manager Neil Brewer said the old building was in bad shape and didn’t have enough space for all of the team’s equipment.“We have put a lot of thought into this new building and we’re extremely happy with it,” he said.
Brewer said KHSAR has been saving money for new facilities for about seven years and was able to use funds from last year’s provincial grant to purchase the new building.
When land came up for sale on Industrial Ave, KHSAR approached the District of Kent council for funding. Council agreed to buy the land if KHSAR paid a yearly fee to pay off the cost along with a municipal service charge.
“The cost of the building in its entirety will be of no cost to the taxpayers,” Brewer said.
Construction started in fall 2016, and the team moved into its new headquarters in June. Finishing touches and additions delayed the grand opening by a couple months, but Brewer said KHSAR is ready to show its new 6500-square-foot headquarters to the public.
The public is invited to an open house on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. An official opening ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. Vehicles, boats and equipment will be on display.