Strengthening fire protection for northern communities

MNR News Release

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HEARST — Ontario is constructing a new fire attack base in Hearst to increase protection for northern communities and forest resources.

Construction of the new $3.9-million fire base is scheduled to begin in early March and be completed in 2009. A brand new warehouse and office building will replace an existing facility and be built according to the principles of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, including water and energy efficiency.

“Quick, effective response to forest fire emergencies safeguards northern residents and northern forests,” said Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield. “This new facility will ensure better customer service and more efficient management of forest fires. The best part of this announcement is that our investment will help secure top-quality jobs and top-quality employees.”

The headquarters will house 22 seasonal firefighting staff and four fire operations staff. The new buildings will be built near the Ministry of Natural Resources Hearst District Office to allow greater efficiency and sharing of resources.

The project is part of ReNew Ontario, the McGuinty government's five-year, $30-billion-plus plan to upgrade Ontario's infrastructure.

“The McGuinty government’s ReNew Ontario and other, more recent investments have created nothing less than an infrastructure renaissance in Ontario,” said Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan. “By modernizing our public infrastructure and building new facilities like this fire attack base, we are building a better Ontario.”

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