Construction on the new fire hall began in July and was completed early this month. The facility has two parts, a 7,000 square foot garage which houses the Fire Company’s fire and rescue vehicles and a 1,680 square foot office/training area which provides space to conduct the training sessions necessary to keep the department’s 34 volunteer firefighters current.

“This is an exciting day for our community,” said the Honourable Carolyn Bertram, Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour. “These renovations to the fire hall will play a huge role in improving the quality of fire protection services provided to New London and surrounding areas. Our government is proud to support this wonderful initiative.”

The Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Island Community Fund, contributed $150,000 to the project. The Fire Company contributed over $200,000 of saved funds. Additional support from local residents has reduced the financing amount to $300,000; it is expected that this mortgage will be paid off within 10 years with no increase in the fire dues charged to area residents.

The new facility located at 10659 Route 6, south/west of the intersection with Route 8, provides adequate space for the Fire Company and all of its equipment, as well as providing the community with a facility capable of meeting its needs during an emergency. The building has a kitchen, washrooms and a bunk room which will allow the fire hall to be manned 24 hours a day during emergencies situations. The large crew room, located within the training area, provides space to service the needs of the general public, while allowing the Fire Company to continue emergency operations from the dispatch and garage areas.

“After ten years of planning and a lot of hard work by our dedicated volunteers, we are thrilled to be moving into the new fire hall,” said Allen Cole, Chief of the New London Rural Fire Company. “Thanks to the financial assistance provided by the provincial government and local residents, our dream has become a reality.”

The New London Rural Community Fire Company was housed in its previous 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.