10-hall fire station plan before council for approval

A 10 fire station plan in which two new fire stations will be constructed – one in Consecon, and one in the Picton industrial park – will be before council July 22.

The Consecon station will replace existing fire halls in Hillier and Consecon, while the Picton station will replace current halls in Picton and the Heights. The four stations will become surplus to the needs of the fire department.

The plan envisions a new Picton station that will also host land ambulance services for The County. Relocating the EMS Picton base while building in the industrial park where land is already owned by the municipality will result in reduced overall construction and operating costs.

Council rejected a nine station plan that would have a new hall constructed near the traffic circle at highways 33 and 1. That plan would have eliminated the Mallory Hall on Cty Rd 32. Under the new plan, that hall will remain.

“The 10 Fire Station Plan will result in increased efficiencies for fire department operations, while reducing overall costs and meeting long term emergency response goals,” said mayor Peter Mertens. “This investment will ensure this essential service has the infrastructure they need to respond effectively within our community for years to come.|

The plan has been in the works for more than four years.  It is subject to ratification by council on July 22 at 7pm.