Prince George city council has confirmed that a referendum will take place in October 28 seeking permission from the electorate to borrow $15 million build a new main firehall.
During tonight’s meeting, council will be receiving a report on the proposed site for building the firehall. Council will also decide whether to grant the first three readings of the related loan authorization bylaws, which would then send the matter to referendum.
The primary objective for the Fire Hall No. 1 replacement project is to build a facility that has a post disaster rating and houses the Emergency Operations Centre, Fire Operations Communications Centre and expands and improves our emergency response (fire and rescue), according to the report going before council.
At the Massey Drive location, Fire Hall No. 1’s eight-minute response area would expand by about 50 per cent compared to its current location.
Based on a budget of $15 million, a facility with a gross floor area of 2,000 m2 (21,528 Sq. Ft.) is achievable on Massey Drive. The facility will address the community’s requirements as identified in the Prince George Fire Rescue Standards of Cover Report and the Condition and Functionality Assessment.
The facility will include:
- A design with post recovery rating at the forefront;
- A facility that minimizes the impact to Carrie Jane Gray Park;
- A functional Emergency Operations Centre;
- A well designed Fire Operations Communications Centre;
- A facility that accommodates modern firefighting equipment; and
- A facility that has the flexibility to accommodate changing staff demographics.
The budget of $15 million includes construction costs, professional fees, change order contingency, escalation, Massey Drive improvements and furniture/fixtures/equipment. There is no land acquisition cost associated with this project.
