Tender awarded for architect to design new north end Paris firehall

By Casandra Turnbull

Plans for a new fire hall in Paris’ north end are officially moving forward.

A total of 12 architectural firms submitted bids to design the firehall. Proposals were evaluated by a project team that consists of staff from Emergency and Protective Services and Operations After careful analysis, the company with the highest score and a bid of $613,000, Masri O Inc. Architects, was awarded the job. The cost of the engineering design is covered in the 2024 Budget.

The new firehall will be located on Scott Ave, right beside the Paris Veterinary Clinic. The location for the new Fire Station lies within a wellhead protection area and therefore stormwater management is a key aspect for this project. The design and operation of the new station will take into consideration site runoff from potential contaminants to ensure there is no impact to source water.

The design for the new fire station will include three (3) drive through truck bays, meeting rooms, kitchen/dining areas, lounge area/training centres, universal washrooms, showers, locker rooms, administration spaces, lobby/safe refuge area, bunker gear storage, staff parking and visitor parking. The design will also account for a potential future addition for a Paramedic station, including one (1) potential drive through truck bay. The selected consultant will complete the conceptual design, detailed design, tender documents, and contract administration and will oversee and advise through all phases of the project including procurement and construction management, according to a report presented to the Administration & Operations Committee last week.

The total funding allocated for this project is $5,300,000. The $613,000 (excluding HST) winning design is slightly higher than the county’s forecasted budget of $420,000. The remaining construction budget may require additional adjustment as more detailed costs are provided, ahead of the 2025 capital budget discussions

Masri O Inc. Architects was awarded the job of designing the new firehall for Paris’ north end. It will be located beside the Paris Veterinary Clinic on Scott Ave.