Richmond Ignites Fire Hall Replacement Project
Richmond City Council approved the construction contract for two replacement fire halls on Sea Island and in Hamilton respectively, to address the problem of ageing Fire-Rescue facilities.
In June of 2000, Council adopted a strategy for phased building replacement and seismic upgrading of various community safety fire halls located throughout the City. Sea Island and Hamilton fire halls were identified as high priority facilities that required replacement, as both facilities are approximately 50 years old.
Mi-Dan Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract with the total cost to replace both fire halls at just over $5.7 million, which was approved in the 2003 and 2005 capital budgets. Both facilities will be built to post disaster standards including geothermal heating systems, solar receptors, and green roofs to retain storm water, all of which will reduce overall operating costs and minimize environmental impacts. The steel composite tower specifically designed for Fire-Rescue training is lighter in weight and will reduce the costs associated with constructing both building foundations. The Sea Island fire hall will be located on Russ Baker Way at Cessna Drive, the Hamilton fire hall will be located at 22451 Westminster Hwy, and both facilities are expected to be operational by the end of this year.
“Council is looking forward to providing Richmond Fire-Rescue staff and our community with more functional community safety fire halls, while ensuring that financial best practices are met,” says Councillor Rob Howard, Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee.
“We are very pleased this phase of the fire hall upgrade project is going ahead,” says Fire Chief Jim Hancock. Our fire halls are undersized and inadequate, and do not meet seismic standards. Building these new facilities will enhance the community safety services we provide to the community.”
Planning is underway for the Bridgeport fire hall, which is expected to go before Council for consideration in 2006.