Prince Edward County in eastern Ontario has broken ground on a new fire and paramedic services facility in the town of Picton, a project which will consolidate these services under one roof.
Designed by Colbourne & Kembel, Architects Inc., and being constructed by Taskforce Engineering Inc., the energy-efficient facility will house four double bays for Fire Services and two double bays for Paramedic Services.
The17,319-square-foot building will also accommodate administrative offices for the county’s Fire Department and Paramedic Services as well as 911 dispatch.
Fire chief Scott Manlow said the facility will provide "a functional and safe environment" for both firefighters and paramedics to prepare for and delivery emergency services to the county for many years to come.
Located on McDonald Drive, the one-storey steel-frame building is being constructed at an estimated cost of just over $3.5 million. The project is being overseen by MHPM Project Managers Inc.
The exterior finishes include metal siding and a masonry base.
Martha Juarez, a MHPM project manager for Eastern Ontario, said the consolidation of services allows for sharing of functional spaces such as staff lounges, locker rooms, washrooms and service spaces.
"This combination also allows for interaction between the user groups while still maintaining the distinct spaces where needed for security and privacy," she said.
Juarez said one of the challenges inherent in the project was addressing the distinct communications systems used by the fire and paramedic services.
The project is being undertaken by a team that includes structural engineers Roney Engineering Ltd., civil, mechanical and mechanical engineers Greer Galloway Group and Fancom Connects Ltd. (communications).
Key subtrades are Line Steel, Reid’s Plumbing & Heating & Air Conditioning Ltd., Tri-Line Electric Ltd., McInroy Maines Construction Ltd. (site work), Quinte Drywall Ltd., and Buc’s Construction (foundations).
Expected to be completed by fall 2016, the facility will replace the current Picton fire hall on Ross Street and the Loch Sloy fire station, as well as the leased ambulance base on MacSteven Drive.
The fire department has occupied its Ross Street location for more than 85 years. The Loch Sloy station has been open since 1979.
The need for a new facility was identified in a 2012 fire station location study conducted for the county. The aim is to improve efficiencies and effect overall operational cost savings.
"Housing both fire and paramedic services under the same roof will further these savings while also providing a physical link between these complementary emergency services," the county said in a news release.
Construction of the facility will allow for consolidation and redistribution of fire department equipment, reduce long-term operating and building maintenance costs, provide easier access and faster response for firefighters, improve communication between fire and paramedic staff and provide proper training and public service facilities.
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