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July 13, 2009
For immediate release
Province Invests in a new Fire Hall for New London
Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour
The province has committed $150,000 from the Island Community Fund for the new facility. Construction on the new fire hall will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by summer 2010. The new facility will have two parts, a 7,000 square foot garage which will house the Fire Company’s fire and rescue vehicles and a 1,600 square foot office/training area which will provide adequate space to conduct the training sessions necessary to keep the department’s 34 volunteer firefighters current. The training area will also have the capability to act as a warming shelter during an emergency situation.
“New London has a dedicated group of firefighters who volunteer their time to help protect our community. This new building will help to support training and increase the safety of our residents,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “The new fire hall is an excellent example of the diverse ways that Island Communities are partnering with government to create sustainable infrastructure. The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to support this project which will enhance the safety and well-being of the people of New London and the surrounding communities.”
The new facility will be located on a 4 acre lot on Route 6 southwest of the intersection with Route 8. This large lot has plenty of space for a training area and for any expansions that may be necessary in the future. The new fire hall will provide adequate space for the Fire Company and its equipment, as well as provide the community with a facility to meet its needs during an emergency.
The new facility will include a kitchen, washrooms and a bunk room which will allow the fire hall to be manned 24 hours a day during emergency situations. The large crew room, located within the training area, will provide space to service the needs of the general public, while allowing the Fire Company to continue with emergency operations from the dispatch and garage areas.
“Through my involvement with the New London Fire Department over the years, I have always been impressed with their professionalism and their ability to provide a strategic vision for our community,” said the Honourable Wes Sheridan, Provincial Treasurer. “I am very pleased that Minister Bertram saw the need to support our rural firefighting groups through the Island Community Fund, a sector of volunteers that has long been overlooked in our Province.”
The New London Rural Community Fire Company has been in place in its present building for over 40 years. The Company provides fire protection and emergency response services to the districts of Clinton, New London, Granville, Long River, Park Corner, French River, Spring Brook, Grahams Road and Stanley Bridge.
“After five years of hard work and dedication, we are thrilled to be starting this project,” said Allen Cole, Chief of the New London Rural Fire Company. “Today, with the help of the provincial government, our dream becomes a reality.”
The government of Prince Edward Island has committed a total of $27.5 million ICF funding for six years. For more information on funding under ICF, visit the Infrastructure Secretariat website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/infrastructure and click on “Programs.”
