The cost of a new combined police-fire station in Waterdown has nearly doubled in just over a year.
In January 2024, Hamilton City Council approved $28 million for the 23,000 square foot, one floor, station at the corner of Highway 6 and Parkside Drive. This has grown to a Hamilton City Council approved budget of $55 million for a now 43,000 square foot facility.
“In 2024 council approved significant additional scope to the project, specifically a second floor 911 call centre and a mechanical penthouse. This impacts the total projected budget, which is now approximately $22.55 million higher,” said Chris Herstek, City of Hamilton (acting) director of corporate facilities and energy management.
In addition to construction, costs such as the land acquisition required for the new facility, design, technology, furniture, fire vehicles, stormwater management, internal project management fees and taxes are included in the price tag.
Among the reasons for the budget increase are significant cost escalations following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The collision reporting and 911 call centre are part of the Waterdown fire/police station facility (i.e. included as part of the approximate 43,000 square foot building). The $55 million includes the land costs associated with the project only (specifically approximately $6.5 million for the 3.8 acres required). The surplus property secures land for future municipal development. At this time there are no other council approved plans for the site,” said Herstek.
The reason for the build is rapid growth in the Hamilton area of Flamborough-Waterdown-Carlisle, therefore the increased need for police, fire and ambulance in close proximity.“The new location in Waterdown considered the current state and significant future growth planned for the Waterdown area, including the northern and western regions of the Parkside and Highway 6 corridor. This location was also informed by the availability of land, cost, potential collaboration with other city services, etc,” said Dave Cunliffe, fire chief with the Hamilton Fire Department.
Cunliffe also said determining the need for and location of a fire station involves consideration of multiple factors, as was the process for the new Waterdown station. The process included multiple staff reports and review by internal city departments as well as council discussion and direction.
Examples of factors include:
- Current and future growth (i.e., population, buildings, roads etc.)
- Risk assessments and historical data regarding the number and types of responses, geographic barriers, the location and impacts of critical infrastructure such as roads etc.
For the project, the city retained Barrie-based Salter Pilon Architecture Inc. and it is reported that no significant scope changes were made after the 2024 council approval of the second floor 911 call centre and mechanical penthouse.
Percon Construction Inc. will be the builder and the project will take place over several phases, with construction expected to begin in mid-2025.
“The project team is working towards a targeted occupancy by end of 2026,” said Herstek.
Recent Comments