Nanaimo Fire Rescue administration staff and firefighters are getting ready to move into their workplace.
The new Fire Station No. 1 will begin operations in April and be fully operational with apparatus deploying from the structure by August, according to a report on the construction status of the fire station by Jodi Le Masurier, Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief, to city council at a meeting Monday, March 21.
Ground was broken for the fire station on Fitzwilliam Street in July 2020.
READ ALSO: Ground-breaking ceremony held for Nanaimo’s new Fire Station No. 1
“We are excited to say that we are moving in at the end of April,” Le Masurier said.
Le Masurier reported that demolition of the old Fire Station No. 1, built in 1967 at 666 Fitzwilliam St., will start in May, which will clear the way for a new concrete apron to be constructed at the front of the new structure. A temporary apparatus bay has been set up for fire trucks to respond from until apparatus bays in the new fire station are ready to go into operation.
“In August the front apron on the new fire station will be completed and his will allow the trucks to respond out of the new fire station rather than from the temporary bay and substantial completion of the project is set for October,” Le Masurier said.
The temporary apparatus bay could be used by Nanaimo Fire Rescue or public works after it is no longer needed at the downtown station.
Le Masurier said glass installation is complete, the communication tower has been installed and exterior cladding of the building will be finished by the end of March. Interior finishing of a day room, dorms, training room and offices are nearing completion, as well.
“We’re entering the commissioning phase and that’s underway for all electrical and mechanical equipment … and another big focus in on installing the emergency communications equipment,” Le Masurier said.
Le Masurier said the station is on budget, which is about $20 million. She made her presentation as council was about to vote on approving the fourth and final draw of borrowing, $280,269 from the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C.
READ ALSO: Cost to build new Nanaimo Fire Station No. 1 jumps $3 million
Council voted unanimously to approve the final draw.
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