The fire chief says people are already talking about where a new fire hall should be on the city’s south side.
Thunder Bay Fire and Rescue held the first of its two public meetings on the city’s strategic master fire plan Tuesday night at the North Neebing Community Centre.
While the five-year plan has numerous recommendations, the top priorities in the plan include closing Brown Street Station and building a new station near Neebing Avenue and rebuilding the Neebing Station on its current location on 20th Side Road. More than a dozen people were at the open house Tuesday. Fire chief John Hay said so far feedback on the plan has been positive.
“It’s not about whether (Brown Street)moves south and west. I think the concern more now is exactly where they want it to go,” Hay said.
Al Martin, who was a fire fighter for over 35 years, said he’d like to see the new station built on the corner of Broadway Avenue and Highway 61 and not even have a Neebing Fire Station. That location could service industry, the airport and residential areas without having to worry about trains.
The property in question is also owned by Martin.
“One station at that corner would supply the whole area here,” Martin said. “We’re running not with horse and buggy but with diesel trucks and service is there for you.”
But Hay said the location shown in the plan was just a starting point for the computer model that measured response times. But after using ten hypothetical locations, it did provide the best coverage.
Neebing resident Eric Leat said based on what information he’s received, the plan looks good.
“I think it’s an excellent plan it gives a lot more coverage,” Leat said. “It will cover the city much better.”
And while some Westfort residents may lament the loss of Brown Street, the plan shows that more people in that neighbourhood will be served by the new fire hall.
“As far as I’m concerned they’re getting a better deal.”
Hay said they’ll take all information received from the public back to city council on Nov. 14. And he sees the positive feedback so far as a good sign.
“I’d like to take it that people for the most part are satisfied with this and don’t have any major concerns,” Hay said.
While the decision lies with city council, Hay said ideally he’d like to see the new hall open by next fall. There will be capital costs involved, but Hay said due to the future tender process he didn’t want to say how much a new hall would be. Still, the city hasn’t had a new fire hall in over 25 years he said.
“We think we have excellent arguments to provide to council.”
A second meeting will be held Thursday at the West Thunder Community Centre starting at 7 p.m.
