The new Pitt Meadows firehall will be open to the public on Pitt Meadows Day.
People will be able to tour the 25,000 square foot facility which will include not only the firehall with a four-storey hose tower and four tandem bays, but a dedicated Emergency Operations Centre, which will take charge to coordinate efforts during local emergency situations.
More than two years of construction went into the firehall and Pitt Meadows fire chief Mike Larsson is proud of the outcome.
“This critical building has dedicated training facilities, provides a safe work environment for firefighters which will result in better retention of well-trained personnel,” noted Fire Chief Mike Larsson.
“As well, the integrated Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will enhance communications and improve services during emergencies in our region,” he said.
At a private grand opening ceremony held on Wednesday, May 31, a special hose uncoupling ceremony took place to symbolize the official opening of the new facility.
The event was also attended by City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald and Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows MLA Lisa Beare, along with Chief Larsson who went on to say that significant work went into the planning, design, construction, of the “much needed facility”.
“With firefighter health and safety as a top priority, this new facility will provide a much improved and healthy work environment,” he said.
The original firehall built in 1983 was town down during the summer of 2020 to make room for the new one. The city made the decision to rebuild on the existing site because of a variety of factors including: emergency response times; access; neighbourhood impacts; building costs; and site size.
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A ground breaking for the new hall took place on April 26, 2021, under former City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Bill Dingwall.
Current City of Pitt Meadows Mayor Nicole MacDonald said the new fire hall is a tangible example of council’s commitment to investing in essential services in Pitt Meadows..
“The completion of the new hall is timely due to Pitt Meadows Fire & Rescue Services transition to 24/7 coverage on June 5,” she said.
Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts confirmed that the new facility was completed within the approved budget and noted that the enhancements will ensure that the department will be equipped to respond to emergencies for decades to come.
Community members will be invited to check out the new fire hall from 1-4 p.m. at 19240 122A Ave. on Pitt Meadows Day, Saturday, June 3.
For more information about the new Pitt Meadows Fire Hall, visit pittmeadows.ca/newfirehall.
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