North Peace Search and Rescue opens new hall in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — North Peace Search and Rescue (NPSAR) celebrated the grand opening of its new hall last week.

On Wednesday, September 10th, the volunteer-run organization opened its new hall on 100th Avenue in Fort St. John, a facility NPSAR said will improve response times, store gear more effectively and improve morale for its members.

For many years, the team operated out of a city-provided space on Cree Road that left their trucks parked outdoors. While the arrangement was appreciated, NPSAR said it often made quick mobilization difficult.

NPSAR said over the past year, volunteers dedicated countless hours transforming the  newspace into a fully functional headquarters. Work included painting walls and building, shelving and organizing specialized rescue equipment.

The organization expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of residents and regional partners who make its work possible.

“A huge thank you to all of our regional supporters here in the North Peace region,” NPSAR said in a statement posted to Facebook. “We could not do what we do without you.”

The grand opening ceremony saw Mayor Lilia Hansen, joined by city councillors, officially opening the hall by cutting the ribbon with a Silky saw. 

Bob Zimmer, MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies, presented national Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada accreditations to 19 qualified members. 

Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy also attended, awarding the newest graduates their ground search and rescue certificates from the Justice Institute of B.C.

Guests had the chance to tour the new facility and explore the team’s equipment, with NPSAR using the occasion to “connect with the community we proudly serve.”

NPSAR is made up of trained volunteers who respond to emergencies ranging from lost hikers to backcountry rescues, often in challenging terrain and weather conditions.