Vegreville News Advertiser - October 13, 2021

New Fire Hall Proposed in Town of Mundare

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Details of a proposed fire hall in Mundare have been discussed on a couple different occasions with town council with five potential sites being identified to date.

Fire Chief Glenda Dales said the fire hall has been in existence since the late ‘80’s. An addition to the existing fire hall was completed around 2010, however, they have simply outgrown the space. Dales said they need more room for training and to accommodate more equipment and storage.

Dales said the biggest concern is the health and safety of firefighters and they need an air handling system that will meet Occupational Health and Safety standards. That system would cost upwards of $40,000.

Dales first introduced the proposal for a new 120 X 70 square foot building to council back in July. However, firefighters have been discussing the idea for quite some time. Dales said they’ve sat down many times to discuss what they think they will need to meet their requirements for the next 20 years.

“We have to look at water and utilities and look for an engineer to take what they want and see if it’s feasible.”

The possible locations that have been identified include:

• 5305 Sawchuk Street (Hwy 855) - 132 ft x 310 ft. Easy access to water and sewer and privately owned.

• 5335 Sawchuk Street - Location of Basilian Fathers Museum. Would have to subdivide out the land. The water and sewer servicing may be expensive.

• MRC Campground - 270 x 150 feet. Easy access to water and sewer.

• 5020 Hawryluk Street - 200 x 300 (on North property line) 437 on South property line. Water and sewer are nearby, but not sure if depth of sewer is acceptable. Privately owned.

• Property next to CN lands - Estimated to be 131 ft wide. Water and sewer potential.

Parking outside and space for training outdoors would also have to be taken into consideration, noted Dales.

Mayor Mike Saric stated that, “Although, our Hall is not the oldest in the region it would require some substantial improvements and would still be too small for any future needs”

The next step would be to obtain a property and then hire an engineer to design the facility. Saric said he thinks that getting those two things would allow the town to be prepared to proceeds if an unexpected source of funding should come up for shovel ready projects.

Dales said the proposal has been “well received” by the town and firefighters are very excited about having a new fire hall and potential opportunities that will come as a result of having it. “We are moving forward which is very positive for the department.”

Dales said she is going to be looking into what grant funding is available and will forward that information to Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla.

Councilor Cheryl Caliniou proposed tabling the item at its Sept. 7 meeting and to discuss it again during budget deliberations.