Headline News

Tottenham Fire Station back in operation following upgrades

October 19, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

It was a project several years in the making, but once it got started, it was completed ahead of schedule and within the allotted budget.

New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, Tottenham Fire Station #3, held a celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 10, to recognize the re-opening of the fire station after extensive interior and exterior renovations and the addition of a new bay on the east side of the building.

The fire station received an exterior makeover that added a contemporary design with red panelling, making the entire station look entirely brand new.

Members of New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, Simcoe County Paramedics, local dignitaries, and the public arrived at the station to celebrate the re-opening.

In true firefighter fashion, instead of a ribbon cutting to officially open the building, they used a hydraulic rescue tool to cut through a piece of fire hose.

New Tecumseth Fire Chief Dan Heydon welcomed visitors to the official opening.

“A project of this magnitude did not happen without the support and vision of many,” Fire Chief Heydon said. “I thank the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and council and the previous councils. This has not been a one term project. I started with the acquisition of the property west of us so we have an extended parking area.”

While the project was being completed, the fire station moved its vehicles to the Tottenham wastewater plant to use as a home base for a period of three months.

Alluding to the smells that arise at a wastewater treatment plant, Chief Heydon said the firefighters jokingly referred to the site as the “perfume factory.”

The firefighters also used part of the Tottenham Community Centre as a base for operations.

“We appreciate every single thing you do to keep our community safe,” Mayor Richard Norcross said to the firefighters. “You sacrifice your time, your families’ time, and the least we can do for you is to say ‘thank you’, and provide you with a better working environment.”

New Tecumseth CAO Blaine Parkin recognized the many people who work behind the scenes to complete a project of this magnitude.

“It’s been coming for a few years now, so it’s nice to see it come together,” Mr. Parkin said. “It is an outstanding facility and will serve our community for many years to come.”

The fire station is now back in operation with the trucks parked in their new updated facility.

Readers Comments (0)