It’s been several years in the making, but Erin council has finally and officially approved the location for a new fire hall in Hillsburgh.
After considering several sites, conducting various studies and holding numerous conversations, council decided last week to renovate and build on the site of the current “Station 50,” on Station Street, in Hillsburgh.
Fire Chief Dan Callaghan told council on Feb. 1 the town’s fire committee has approved a two-phase project at that location, including gutting and renovating one portion of the current building. He said the department is looking for approval from council to proceed with a detailed building design and cost estimates.
When asked about the finances for those items, Callaghan said the town did have $250,000 set aside for a land purchase, which is no longer needed for that purpose.
The town was previously considering a 4.6-acre parcel on Trafalgar Road, just north of Hillsburgh, for the new hall, but that idea has since been abandoned.
Council unanimously approved a resolution to select the current site on Station Street as the preferred location for a new hall.
New design, drawings and cost estimates should take 30 to 60 days to complete. According to the fire committee minutes of Jan. 11, councillor Barb Tocher has indicated the town would “probably” borrow the money for the actual construction and renovation of the hall.
