Revelstoke Search and Rescue is launching one of the largest fundraisers in the city’s history, with a goal of $3.4 million.
The fundraiser is raising support for the construction of an operation centre to house equipment, run training programs and coordinate rescue calls.
Currently, the team stores rescue and operations gear at the Revelstoke RCMP office, as well as various private storage facilities throughout the city, often increasing response times in situations where minutes matter, Taryn Kehler, Revelstoke Search and Rescue fundraising team lead explained.
“We have to drive all over town trying to get all of our equipment so we can rescue in a safe way,” she said. “You can see how that can really impact our response time and outcomes for people.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue acquired land by the Revelstoke Airport from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and is aiming to have the centre completed by Spring 2027. The roughly 1,115 square metre building will include seven heated bays, a dedicated training area, office spaces and enough storage potential for future growth.
“Everybody’s recognized the need for this, considering our community is growing and attracting more and more adventure tourism and more and more people coming to recreate in the area,” Kehler said.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue’s work also helps with wildfire evacuations, missing person scenarios and the range of highway accidents around Revelstoke.
Revelstoke Search and Rescue hopes its overarching community impact will inspire folks to donate to the build. While the non-profit already raised over $780,000 and is working with various government levels for additional support, local fundraising will be key in completing the project.
Donations are open on the revsar.ca/donate page, and contributions over $1,000 can be organized with [email protected]. Kehler and her team are also looking to work with local businesses and organizations for future fundraising events, material donations and other in kind opportunities.
Revelstoke’s history of coming out in full force to help fundraise and support projects like the operations centre has Kehler convinced the $3.4 million goal will be reached. Born and raised in Revelstoke herself and working as a paramedic, she sees the value the new operation centre will provide for the community.
“People are getting really excited about it.”
Revelstoke Search and Rescue also wants the future site to be used for safety training for folks interested in outdoor recreation.
“Having a centre where we can do proper training and outreach, more of these local education components, that hopefully reduces calls in the future,” Kehler said.
What is Revelstoke Search and Rescue?
Revelstoke Search and Rescue has been operating since 1952, providing cost-free rescues, first aid and support for local RCMP, Revelstoke Fire Department and more.
From local paramedics and regional ski patrollers to highway avalanche control experts, Revelstoke Search and Rescue’s volunteer pool is as expansive as its gear stock. Boasting upwards of 100 volunteers depending on the season, the team is one of the largest search and rescue groups in B.C., Kehler said.
“Revelstoke has been very fortunate that our team is able to have the kind of calibre of training that it does,” she added.
In 2024 alone, the group wracked up over 8,300 volunteer hours, primarily assisting in snowmobile, hiker and alpine skiing rescues. Within the first month of 2026, Revelstoke Search and Rescue has already assisted in 15 different calls.
Volunteers require ground search and rescue training, oftentimes offered through the Justice Institute of B.C., as well as a set amount of hours and calls to stay on the roster, plus local knowledge of the area.
“We want people that are involved in the community, that really know the area and are passionate about it,” Kehler said.
Revelstoke’s surrounding terrain and outdoor recreation industries bring a high volume of tourists to the region, but Revelstoke’s reputation as a safe place to recreate is also a draw, Kehler explained. From Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s ski patrol team to Revelstoke Snow Mobile Club’s active network, safety awareness is front of mind for many organizations.
“People come here wanting to know they’re safe, they’re looked after and that they’re going to have people there to help them out in an emergency.”
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