New north end Fire Station construction to start early next year

Project to coincide with installation of new roundabout at Grand River & Scott Ave

By Casandra Turnbull

Plans to build a new fire hall in Paris’ north end are finally moving forward following a council meeting this past week

Council received an RPT concept for the new fire station with an approved (estimated) project cost of $7 million. Council further directed county staff to proceed with construction drawings and pre-qualification of contractors for the project The new fire hall will be located on Scott Ave right beside the Paris veterinary clinic. The project is being coordinated with the planned improvements to Grand River Street North and Scott Ave, which will see a roundabout installed within the next two years The Architect was awarded in April 2024, to Masri O Architect, who 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. The Site Plan includes future accommodations for Paramedic Services on the west side of the Fire Station

The concept design floor plan is 9,950 square feet complete with truck bay accommodations that will provide appropriate space to house six apparatus, including an aerial size truck. With firefighter health and safety in mind, the building design will contain an area for bunker gear storage, space for inclusion of a gear extractor, and separate storage of SCBA There will be male and female washrooms/change rooms with showers for firefighters as well as a universal washroom for public use

Brant Municipal Enterprises is supporting the project with its netzero sustainability standard. Staff note that construction is currently targeted to start in the first half of 2025 around the time the construction of the roundabout at Grand River St. and Scott Ave will begin.

Earlier this year, council approved submission of a grant fund to the FCM Green Municipal Fund for the project, in which funding can cover up to 80% of eligible costs, with the maximum combined grant and loan amount being $10 million. The county’s updated Development Charges Background Study includes the North Paris Fire Station as 100% funded by Development Charges. The DC Study currently includes $5.3 million dollars for construction of the North Paris Fire Station Costs for the project that are not covered by the FCM Green Municipal Fund would be covered by DC’s.

Concept of the new north end County of Brant Fire Station. Construction is slated to begin in early 2025.