Dawson Creek explores long-term home for South Peace Search and Rescue team

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The City of Dawson Creek is working with South Peace Search and Rescue (SPSAR) to support the volunteer organization with rising costs. (South Peace Search and Rescue Facebook)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Dawson Creek is working with South Peace Search and Rescue (SPSAR) to support the volunteer organization with rising costs.

Allen Tonn, Chief of Operations at SPSAR, appeared before the City of Dawson Creek Council during the November 18th regular council meeting to seek support with future funding for the organization.

Entirely volunteer-run by local Peace River South community residents, the SPSAR team is trained and certified by the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

The team covers almost 8,000 square kilometres between the North Kiskatinaw River and the Alberta border, and is typically deployed to assist RCMP, fire departments, BC Ambulance and local government authorities in the remote, heavily forested and mountainous areas of the region.

The team currently maintains a base of operations in Dawson Creek, storing their trucks and trailer in a two-bay garage.

SPSAR receives funding from both the province and the Peace River Regional District, accounting for 46 per cent of their total funding.

Rent, vehicles, and operating costs alone account for 64 per cent of the team’s budget, leaving only 36 per cent able to be used for training and purchasing equipment, which often costs thousands of dollars. Tonn explained this means the team is heavily reliant on community donations and fundraising efforts.

During the presentation, Tonn asked the council for assistance in finding a new location for the team, and to assist with funding support for rent, vehicles and communication costs.

After the presentation, councillors, staff and Mayor Darcy Dober discussed options for assisting the team. Staff have previously worked with the organization to help find a space, however a shortage of locations have made finding a suitable facility challenging.

Following a unanimous vote from council, staff were directed to continue searching for a suitable, long-term location for the SPSAR team in Dawson Creek.