Town of Huntsville staff will soon be reviewing potential location sites and speaking with landowners after council approved the preliminary process of relocating Fire Station #1.
At the June 24 council meeting, Gary Monahan, Fire Chief, presented a report explaining why they need to “urgently” relocate the property, adding they face a “number” of challenges at the current station’s location.
The report stated the station was built in 1995 and has served the community well over the last 28 years. Due to the Town’s growth, the station requires several upgrades, including office space, an increase in apparatus floor space, storage for equipment, and more. The report also mentioned the building is sinking in one corner.
According to the report, the fire station has gone through four renovations to accommodate the growing number of staff over the last 28 years.
“The station is located on the same property as a successful commercial industry that ships products from this location. Tractor-trailers regularly impede the response of apparatus as shown in the document attached,” Monahan’s report reads. “During morning drop off and afternoon pick up at the schools, our volunteer firefighters are regularly delayed getting to the fire station because of traffic congestion from two school zones located on West Road and Centre Street. These traffic delays have had a negative impact on response times.”
The ideal location for a new station would be approximately three acres in size and with easy access to Highway 60, Highway 11, and downtown.
Councillor Monty Clouthier said even though it is a “big demand on the Town,” it is necessary to do.
“This is a huge step for us, but I mean, we’re taking a lot of different big steps as a council, but I think this is one that we definitely, definitely need,” Clouthier added.
To review the full report, click here.