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By Justin Seward
Commentator/Courier
Cypress County will explore the option of multiuse facilities and bring back more information to a future council meeting, as per council’s vote on March 2.
Preliminary discussions between the county’s director of public works Kim Dalton, chief administrative officer Tarolyn Aaserud and Coun. Dustin Vossler have led to exploring options of building a new fire services building to resolve operational safety and structural issues at the existing facilities.Additionally, there will be the capacity to house modern equipment such as graders and space for safety personnel and apparatus preparation during a fire response.
“Fire service facilities serve as a social hub as well as a critical public safety service,” as read in the agenda package.
Coun. Shane Hok asked about the fire halls that would be chosen.
“We’re looking at Irvine’s, Seven Persons’ and up in the Hilda/Schuler area,” said Vossler.
“We had a little bit of talk about Elkwater as well but we haven’t got to any point in place with that one yet. So those three to start with and there may be more that come along as we get further into it. The biggest thing is the building evaluation—so we did look back at some of the history between the Hilda, Irvine and Walsh. For example (Walsh) is one of the oldest halls that’s in (the) roughest shape of any of them.”
Vossler added the evaluation and research would be for the older halls.
Benefits of a multiuse facility would be seven day a week occupancy and less seasonal mobilization for public works.
Preliminary costs would be $500,000 for a 60 foot by 100-foot, five bay shop with in-floor heating, washroom and small meeting area and is anticipated to be built in 2021.
A committee will also be formed to conduct research and bring back their findings to council for decisions.