On Friday, the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Fire Station No. 2 in Seeley’s Bay.
Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke welcomed Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark, council members, TLTI firefighters, township staff and the public to the event. Also attending was a representative from JCB Canada Inc., the firm hired to build the facility.
“I am thrilled that we have reached this milestone of breaking ground and starting construction of the new Fire Station No. 2,” said Smith-Gatcke. “It has been a long journey to get to this point and I wish to thank my fellow council members, township and fire service staff and Keith and Garry Sly who have all helped us get to where we are.”
The new fire station, she added, represents an important commitment by the township to ensuring the safety of residents and businesses now and in the future.
“I ask the public for their patience with any additional traffic and noise that may occur due to the construction that will take place over the next eight months,” said the mayor.
The ceremonial groundbreaking signifies the start of the construction project, which is anticipated to take eight months to complete. The township expects to take occupancy of the new station either in late December or early January.
The new fire station has been designed by IDEA Inc. with input from TLTI Fire Service members, council and staff.
The building will feature three drive-through apparatus bays, a decontamination room, bunker gear room, office space, kitchen and training room. The building will also be equipped with a system to collect and store rainwater for use in firefighting.
Once operational, the new fire station will be capable of servicing a firefighting staff of 28.
The new fire station will be located at the intersection of Highway 15 and County Road 32 on land purchased from the Sly family. The existing Fire Station No. 2, located in the Seeley’s Bay Community Hall, no longer meets the needs of the community and operational requirements of a modern fire department.
It’s been noted by staff that public consultations will be held to seek community input on potential new uses for the space to be vacated by the Fire Service in the Community Hall.