Construction of Richmond's new central fire hall officially kicked off with a ground-breaking ceremony Thursday.
The $22.3 million project will see a new 25,240 square-feet fire hall built on the same grounds of the former fire hall at Gilbert Road and Granville Avenue.
The new building will be about 8,000 square-feet larger than its 1962-built predecessor, will be earthquake resistant and built to LEED gold standard.
Money from the city’s reserve fund will pay for this final component in Richmond's public safety rebuilding program.
“Long ago, we realized our fire halls and the main police headquarters were aging and they were potentially unable to meet some of our growing needs,” explained Mayor Malcom Brodie in a speech.
“Many of these buildings were very much in danger of being severely damaged, should there be a major earthquake.”
Since 2006, Richmond has either replaced or retrofitted all of its fire halls, such as Hamilton No. 5, Sea Island No. 4 and Steveston No. 2.
The new Cambie No. 3 fire hall, to be completed this year, will also house a new BC Ambulance station. The new Brighouse No. 1 is anticipated to be completed by late next year.
“When the new hall opens next year, you will find an expanded, four-bay fire facility and this will enable the Richmond Fire-Rescue service to serve the needs of our community for decades to come,” Brodie added.
In 2011, the Richmond RCMP detachment moved into its current location on No. 5 Road, which was originally built as the security headquarters for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
