The New Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Station is slated to close Oct. 3, for approximately two to four weeks to accommodate renovations.
This is the second time the station will temporarily shutter this year. An earlier renovation effort in January unveiled potential asbestos, which prompted its closure for testing.
Tests ended up revealing that no asbestos was found in the material in question, at which time the city pledged not to resume work “until a suitable, temporary, alternate location within the New Sudbury response area is ready for use.”
Despite this, firefighters will again temporarily relocate to the Minnow Lake emergency services station, at 144 Second Ave., which is approximately five kilometres south.
“This is the closest facility to New Sudbury that can house the extra staff, with trucks and equipment,” the city noted in a media release issued Oct. 2. “This temporary location may increase response time by two to five minutes, depending on location.”
In a written response to an inquiry by Sudbury.com, a city spokesperson noted an “extensive review of potential temporary fire station locations/alternatives” was invested in the New Sudbury area, including both City of Greater Sudbury and private facilities.
“However, because of the specific requirements related to shift operations (cooking, sleeping and showering facilities, donning/doffing of PPE), health and safety needs protecting our workers, and the requirement for secure indoor space for the apparatus, no alternate location was viable without significant financial investment or renovations exceeding the total project costs,” the city’s statement noted. “Considering all related factors and options, the Minnow Lake station is the most appropriate temporary location.”
The city did, however, find an alternative location for paramedics stationed at the New Sudbury station.
Whereas New Sudbury paramedics shifted to a roaming status in the neighbourhood during January’s temporary closure, they will now be stationed at 1617 Havenbrook Dr.
While at their temporary location in a residential property surrounded by private households, paramedics have pledged to “make every effort to reduce vehicle idling, except when necessary to sustain equipment and supplies that are sensitive to heat and cold conditions,” according to the city’s media release. They also plan on minimizing the use of flashing lights and sirens when leaving the location.
During the first phase of construction, there will be no access to washrooms or water, which necessitated the temporary relocation.
The second phase is expected to take an additional six weeks, but will focus on portions of the building that do not impact staff or service delivery.
The renovation’s construction tender was awarded to Sudbury-based Magnum Constructors Inc. last year at a cost of $198,000, and includes the washroom, change room and shower facilities.
This round of renovations is separate from the $7.44 million city council is considering for the New Sudbury station as part of a broader renewal plan for emergency services infrastructure. This larger renovation will be considered in capital budgets beyond 2027.
While the city announced the latest closure in a media release on Oct. 2, the New Sudbury station’s January closure was brought to the attention of Sudbury.com by an anonymous tip.
Tyler Clarke covers city hall and political affairs for Sudbury.com.
