Ontario Construction News staff writer
WHITBY – The construction of Whitby’s first fire training tower is about to start. This four-storey facility will offer local firefighters hands-on, scenario-based training in a safe environment.
Situated at Whitby Fire Headquarters on 111 Mc Kinney Dr., the new training structure will feature live burn rooms, propane-fueled simulations, and various training props. Each side of the tower will replicate different real-world situations – including a two-storey house, a downtown streetscape, a high-rise area, and an industrial complex – allowing Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) to prepare for various emergencies.
The town states that this facility will improve firefighter readiness while possibly supporting future public education initiatives.
“As our town continues to grow, so does the need to invest in the safety and well‑being of our community,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy in a statement. “It’s an investment in our firefighters, our residents, and the future of our community.”
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Tucker mentioned that the tower “ensures that our firefighters are able to master their skills in a safe and controlled environment, under realistic conditions. Training is the cornerstone of everything we do.”
The training tower is expected to open later this year.
This past June, the town also revealed plans for a new fire station in West Whitby by purchasing a 3.44-acre piece of land from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation at the southwest corner of Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road. The new Fire Station 6 is projected to be completed by 2027 and will help accommodate ongoing population growth within the community.
“As one of the fastest growing areas in our town, West Whitby needs the right services in place to support community safety and wellbeing,” Mayor Roy said. “This new fire station will help improve response times, create good local jobs, and ensure firefighters are ready to respond when seconds matter most.”
Council has approved $17 million for constructing the fire hall, which is expected to create several temporary construction-related jobs.
“This station, at the intersection of Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road, is ideally located to address emergency response times in the area,” said Fire Chief Mike Hickey. “With Rossland Road slated as an interchange to Highway 412, WFES will have direct access to the 400-series highways to address motor vehicle collisions or other emergencies while also providing efficient responses both north and south within our growing municipality.”
The detailed design by Thomas Brown Architects will include environmentally sustainable features aligned with Whitby’s climate goals.
Source link
“This station, at the intersection of Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road, is ideally located to address emergency response times in the area,” said Fire Chief Mike Hickey. “With Rossland Road slated as an interchange to Highway 412, WFES will have direct access to the 400-series highways to address motor vehicle collisions or other emergencies while also providing efficient responses both north and south within our growing municipality.”
The detailed design by Thomas Brown Architects will include environmentally sustainable features aligned with Whitby’s climate goals.
Source link
