Consecon fire station construction under way

Officials at the ground breaking ceremony included Dan Bakker, Division 6 Commander, councillor Terry Shortt, Fire Chief Scott Manlow, Mayor Peter Mertens and Susan Turnbull, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Finance.

County officials and staff turned the sod at the site of the new Consecon fire station Monday morning, officially beginning construction on the $1.3 million project.

The new Mill Street station is to replace older and unsafe Consecon and Hillier halls, and is expected to be complete by February.

“Building a new fire station in Consecon recognizes and addresses the need to upgrade the County fire department’s facilities,” said Fire Chief Scott Manlow. “By building a new, safe, and efficient station, our firefighters will feel confident providing effective emergency response to the surrounding community for many years to come.”

Costs for the new station – including four bays, a training hall with a kitchenette, office space and a workshop – were tendered at $1,285,500 plus up to $35,000 for a generator.

The station’s location is also expected to allow for insurance reductions for residents in the surrounding area.

MHPM Project Managers (Ottawa) are assisting the County with the overview of the project, while Dalren Limited (Cobourg) will be constructing the facility which was designed by Colbourne & Kemble Architect Inc. (Kingston).

“I am pleased see the shovel hit the ground to begin the construction on this much needed facility” said Mayor Peter Mertens. “The Master Fire Plan has been an ongoing focus of council for the last four years and it is rewarding to see this plan realized as council reaches the end of its term.”

Also included in the Master Fire Plan is construction of a new Picton hall to be built in the industrial park.