Saugeen Shores Council will look at more options for a new fire hall location in Port Elgin after deferring a decision on a proposed one Monday night.
A staff report from Fire Chief Ed Melanson was on council’s agenda Monday night with a specific location in mind at 640 Mill Creek Road (Cameron Park) behind the high school and the curling club.
The Port Elgin Fire Station is currently downtown.
Melanson’s report laid out a preferred location for a new station based on firefighter response times, municipal property ownership, minimal environmental impact, and appropriate property size. The department narrowed its scope down to two locations, 640 Mill Creek Road and 1240 Mackenzie Road.
Back in 2023, the Town’s fire master plan and its business plan noted a new fire station would be needed because of health and safety legislation and increased demand as the community grows. Council approved an outline to do design and engineering for a new station in 2026 followed by the build in 2027 / 2028. It’s included in the special capital tax levy.
Councillor Dave Myette felt Mill Creek Road was a good spot with alternate routes away from the school and it would also be close to the water tower.
During discussion, Councillor Bud Halpin expressed concern about fire trucks responding to a call at high traffic congestion times by the high school.
Fire Chief Ed Melanson noted the current downtown location also sees a lot of student traffic at certain times of the day.
Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt suggested Lakeview Campground along Bruce Street, or even building on the current location.
Melanson explained his department considered a number of locations but quickly ruled them out for a variety of reasons. He says the issue with expanding the current downtown expansion would be very limited parking. Volunteer firefighters drive their own vehicles to the station every time there is a call.
Following their discussion, Council decided to defer a decision and to ask staff to consider additional sites for council’s review later, and with an opportunity for public input.
