It’s taken 25 years to get to where Norm Gale was standing Thursday afternoon.
The chief of Superior North EMS was taking a look at the new 35,000-square foot EMS headquarters as construction moves into the final phase. The $10.8 million building is on budget and on time for 100 paramedics and 20 vehicles to move in by mid-February.
The need for a facility was first identified 25 years ago, Gale said.
“It’s a growing demand. There’s increasing pressure on EMS and this facility alone will improve response times in particular to the north side of Thunder Bay,” Gale said standing in the building’s massive garage.
The building, which was built to LEED Gold standards for environmental efficiency, features walls of windows for natural light, training rooms, warehousing and room for administration.
It even has a moveable wall between the male and female locker rooms to accommodate the expected growth in female paramedics Gale said. It also has some features never seen before by Superior North EMS, like decontamination facilities should paramedics have to deal with hazardous materials.
“Right now (facilities) are fractured, are spread across the city and the district,” Gale said.
“I’m looking forward to having our paramedics under one roof. I’m looking forward to having our paramedics in appropriate facilities that are worthy of the important work that they do … it’s going to make a difference in EMS operations.”
The building also has a $75,000 public art component with $65,700 of that earmarked for a sculpture in front of the building. Gale said it is part of the city’s clean, green and beautiful policy.
“It enhances the neighbourhood. It makes the building more attractive to people...and it reflects the paramedic profession,” Gale said.
