White Rock Awards $410,000 Contract for Vintage Fire Truck Display

The City of White Rock has awarded a contract to construct a permanent display for its historic antique fire truck. This decision, made during the council’s regular meeting on September 15, 2023, aims to honor the legacy of the vehicle, which has significant ties to the community’s firefighting history.

The vintage fire truck, originally adapted from a 1925 Studebaker sedan chassis in the early 1930s, is currently housed at the city’s parks maintenance yard in Centennial Park. It was purchased shortly after the formation of the White Rock Fire Department, now known as White Rock Fire Rescue, in 1933. The truck served the community for 14 years before its decommissioning in 1948.

Plans are in place for the truck to be showcased in a fully covered glass display structure next to the existing fire vehicle bays at White Rock’s fire hall, located at 15315 Pacific Ave. The truck is currently owned by White Rock Firefighters Local 2407, following a complex history of ownership and restoration. It was restored to its original colors in 2010. Jim Gordon, the engineering and municipal operations director, informed the council that the truck is intended to be formally gifted to the city as a tribute to White Rock’s firefighting heritage.

Construction Details and Budget Overview

The council voted to award the contract for the display structure to the lowest bidder, Hilson Construction, for a total of $410,000. Additionally, the council retained Miza Architects as the construction manager for $26,965, both figures excluding GST. The estimated total project cost is $506,137, which includes design work and arborist monitoring, and is below the previously approved budget of $547,000 in the 2025 Financial Plan.

To ensure the project remains on track, staff requested and received pre-authorization for a $100,000 contingency fund, which will only be utilized if necessary. Engineering manager Corrine Haer emphasized that the display structure will feature “permeable paving, accessory setbacks, and a custom-built enclosure tailored to the truck’s dimensions.” She added that the design prioritizes accessibility, environmental stewardship, and harmony with the surrounding civic landscape.

Community Support and Council Perspectives

Council member Elaine Cheung, who moved the recommendations of the corporate report, noted that the project to house the antique vehicle was initially approved by the previous council. “We’re just finishing it off,” she stated. The only dissenting vote came from council member Christopher Trevelyan, who expressed his concerns about the project’s budget. “I’m not against the idea,” he said, “I just think half a million is too high to spend for something like this at this time.”

The antique fire truck display project represents a community initiative that celebrates the legacy of the White Rock Fire Department, preserving a meaningful piece of local history. As plans advance, the city aims to create a lasting tribute that embodies the spirit and heritage of firefighting in White Rock.