Hanover’s new fire station is set to begin operating.
The town says it will begin operations on December 8th at its new station at 670, 1st Street in the business park in southeastern Hanover near the new senior school.
It has four, double equipment bays, a drying tower, bunker gear room, universal washrooms, training room, mezzanine fire and emergency response training space, reception and fire administration areas.
Fire Chief Jeff Dentinger says they have rooms they can fill with smoke, and walls they can move, “We can do all of our training inside. We even have rope rescue tie-offs around the building that we can train year-round on all of our specialties.” Tie offs are anchor points for high-angle and rope rescues.
Other key features of the new, roughly $7.5 million fire station include quick access to major roads and neighbourhoods, upgraded technology and tools, energy-efficient systems, and a community space for public education and community engagement activities, such as fire safety workshops and emergency preparedness training.
The building has a ‘net zero’ design that’s meant to ideally, produce as much energy as it uses. It will be equipped with solar panels. It also has full back-up power.
Domm Construction Ltd. did the construction and Dawley Engineering did the design and admin work.
Mayor Sue Paterson says in a statement, “This relocation is a significant step forward in our efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents,” adding, “The new facility not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and prepared community.”
An official grand opening of the new fire station will be held in the spring of 2025. At that time, members of the public will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet
firefighters, and learn about the essential services they provide.
The community is being reminded to be aware when driving in the area of the new fire hall that firefighters will have a flashing green light in their vehicle to signal they are on the way to a call. If safe to do so, other drivers should yield the right-of-way by slowing down and pulling over to let firefighters pass by.