Members of Quinte West Council, city officials, fire personnel and members of Taskforce Engineering were on hand to break ground on the new fire station in Quinte West Friday morning. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
A look at the planned exterior design for the new Quinte West Fire Station #1. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
The city of Quinte West has broken ground on a new Fire Station #1.
On Friday morning, members of Quinte West Council, city officials, fire personnel and Taskforce Engineering were on hand for the ceremony, taking place at 49 Dixon Drive, right beside the police station.
The station is expected to be built with around 22,000 square feet of space and will house full-time, 24-hour staff, as well as a complement of volunteer firefighters. It will include doors at the back and front of the station to allow for safe exits for personnel going out on assignments. The new building will also serve as the Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters with offices for fire administration, as well as fire prevention personnel.
Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan is promoting safety and sufficient space as high priorities with the new Quinte West Fire Station #1. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Quinte West Fire Chief John Whelan says the construction of this new fire hall was a long time coming for the city.
Taskforce Engineering President Peter Kempenaar says he wants to get started on the project as early as next week in order to have it on schedule for a fall 2018 completion. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Taskforce Engineering was the winning bid for the project out of 17 other candidates. President Peter Kempenaar says they want to get going with the project as soon as possible.
Chief Whelan says he is extremely happy to have Taskforce on board for the project.
In addition, Quinte West fire received blueprints from McKnight Charron Limited (MCL) Architects in the Barrie-Collingwood area and are able to carbon copy their designs.
METTKO Ltd. will be expected to provide project oversight.
Quinte West Mayor Jim Harrison says the facility will be up to the standards and services that the Quinte West Fire Department provides.
The $5.6 million project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.
