Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) is happy to announce that it has found a new home.
During the past couple of years OOSAR has been growing as a team and outgrowing the space it utilizes at the Oliver Community Services Building. This has prompted the group to start a search different than what members are trained to do – they needed to find a larger home.
The first step in this search was achieved in 2012 when the Town of Oliver set them up on a piece of land at the Oliver airport.
The next step was to either construct a building on site or find a building to move on to the site. With the near completion of renovations at Southern Okanagan Secondary School, and the need for the district to get rid of some surplus modular buildings, OOSAR put in a bid for one of these structures.
Team member Kyle Fossett said winning the bid boosted everyone’s excitement. “To change the progress from paperwork to a physical building we are now seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.”
This summer OOSAR will be taking delivery and possession of what is currently the administration offices at the school. Members will then finish the interior to team specifications and furnish the building.
Fossett recognized everyone who supported OOSAR in the search for a new home, especially the land and building committee members Tyler Gludovatz, Rob Selsing and Nina Kleissen.
A tour of the new facility is scheduled for September 7 during OOSAR’s second annual open house.
“To have all of our equipment and office space in one location will result in a quicker response time for call-outs,” Fossett said.
Currently, members meet at the Community Services Building and are sent to the airport compound to pick up vehicles and trailers that may be required for a task.
“With the new hall, when we are called out, we will have everything in one location and will have to spend less time running back and forth across town before we are able to roll.”
The new building will be located at the northeast corner of the airport, next door to the air cadet hangar.
The search and rescue squad is always recruiting and has spots on the team for anyone willing to help out. If you are interested in joining or want to find out more, stop by the Oliver Community Services Building Thursday nights at 7 pm.
The team’s most recent call-out was last month in Osoyoos, where members assisted BC Ambulance with transporting two horseback riders who had been thrown from their horses.
A recent fundraiser at Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos was a great success. The silent auction included more than 30 items.
“The final total of just over $5,000 exceeded the team’s expectations for a first time event, Fossett said.
By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
