The Town of Comox is receiving $5 million through the Community stream of the Strategic Priorities Fund. This federally funded program supports infrastructure projects that are beyond the financial capacity of a single local government fund, under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream in BC.
The Town of Comox is using its funding to upgrade the Comox Fire Station, which has served the community for nearly 50 years. The modernized facility will strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance firefighter health and safety, and improve community resilience for decades to come. Built to post-disaster standards with backup power, the station will operate as the Town’s Emergency Operations Centre during emergencies. The design also includes dedicated decontamination, laundry, and shower facilities; expanded training, classroom, kitchen, and office spaces; universal accessibility features such as an elevator and accessible washrooms; and five affordable on-site lodging units to support faster nighttime response times and improved service levels throughout the community.
On July 30, 2026, the federal and provincial governments, along with the Union of BC Municipalities, announced a federal investment of more than $152 million to support 54 community infrastructure and capacity-building projects. The Town of Comox is one of the 54 projects recently announced.
The BCSF Community stream is a transfer-based program that provides $2.5 billion per year in funding to communities across Canada. The Province of British Columbia receives over $326 million annually from this stream, which is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities and distributed to local governments through the Community Works Fund, Strategic Priorities Fund, and Metro Vancouver Regional Fund.
Quotes
"For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities. This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”
Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“The upgraded Comox Fire Station brings together emergency response, disaster readiness and modern firefighter facilities under one roof, creating a stronger foundation for essential services. Thanks to the partnership between the Government of Canada, UBCM and the Town of Comox, this project will help ensure residents can count on reliable emergency services whenever they’re needed.”
The Honourable Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
“This project is about ensuring Comox Fire Rescue can continue to deliver high-quality emergency services while meeting the needs of our growing community. By investing in this upgrade now, we are strengthening emergency preparedness, supporting firefighter health and safety, and helping to manage our long-term infrastructure costs. We are grateful for the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, whose funding is helping offset the cost of this important investment and reduce the financial impact on our community.”
Her Worship Nicole Minions, Mayor of the Town of Comox
“Our longstanding partnership with the Town of Comox demonstrates the value of collaboration in delivering essential services to our community. Together, we are able to provide residents with responsive, professional and cost-effective fire protection services. We appreciate the support of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia through UBCM, whose funding is helping offset the cost of this important investment in public safety."
Scott Park, Comox Fire Protection District Chair
“From the outset, this project has been guided by a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and this significant grant will greatly reduce the overall cost burden for the residents we serve. Our department has always taken a prudent and measured approach to the stewardship of taxpayer dollars. This investment will allow us to deliver a modern, efficient facility that meets current standards, supports future growth, and enhances the health, safety, and operational readiness of our firefighters. This project would not be possible without the strong support and collaboration of Comox Town Council and the Trustees of the Comox Fire Protection District.”
Gord Schreiner, Fire Chief
Quick facts
- The total upgrade to the Comox Fire Station is estimated at approximately $6.1 million, with an additional contingency of 10 to 15 per cent. Following the application of the grant funding, the remaining project cost is approximately $2 million, to be shared between the Town of Comox (two-thirds) and the Comox Fire Protection District (one-third).
- In addition, the Comox Fire Association has committed a $50,000 donation to help furnish the new facility, further supporting this important investment in community safety.
- British Columbia’s 2026-27 allocation under the Build Communities Strong Community stream is over $326 million.
- The total federal contribution towards the 54 projects is $152,313,226.
- The 29 capital projects are receiving a total of $145,945,502.
- The 25 capacity building projects are receiving a total of $6,367,764.
- The funding provided for these projects comes through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ application-based Strategic Priorities Fund.
- See the attached backgrounder for details of the projects.
- The Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream provides predictable, long-term and stable funding to local governments for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building projects. This program is funded by the Government of Canada and administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Backgrounder: Building Communities Strong in British Columbia with $152 million funding 54 new infrastructure projects
Associated Links
- Build Communities Strong Fund
- BCSF Community Stream in British Columbia
- UBCM’s Strategic Priorities Fund
Media Contacts:
Nicole Minions, Comox Mayor
nminions@comox.ca
250-339-2202
or
Gord Schreiner, Fire Chief
firehall@comox.ca
250-331-6436
