Central Okanagan Search and Rescue search for new home funding

The Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) is looking for a larger, more centralized location to call home.

The non-profit presented the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) with a building needs analysis on Thursday, saying having a bigger, more secure building in a better location will allow COSAR to serve the community better.

In a release, COSAR said the RDCO was supportive of finding a new home for COSAR, but stated that funding was an issue.

“We’ve looked at various SAR groups around British Columbia and realize funding is a challenge for everyone,” said COSAR president Brad Trites in the release.

“Over the last few years, several search and rescue teams around the province have received significant support from their communities to help fund buildings that meet the growing needs from increased demand of SAR services.”

Trites also notes that other search and rescue operations throughout the province have been supported by people or companies offering leasing deals for land, and donation from local groups and philanthropists to fund the initiatives.

COSAR is the third busiest volunteer search and rescue organization in Canada, and is expected to handle over 100 call-outs in 2021. Those calls can be everything from back country rescues, to searching for lost children and elderly individuals with dementia.

“Everyone in our community potentially benefits from the services provided by our team of highly trained professional volunteers,” said Trites.