There will be an open house this Sunday, taking place along with Canada Day festivities. The Canada Day parade will start at 1:30 pm at the Pavilion, and end at the Firehall at 2 p.m.
Guests can check out the new facility and also hear from MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman and MPP Ric Bresee, as well as other officials.
Fire Chief Jack Donnelly says the difference between the new fire hall and the old one, which was a 1970’s metal Quonset hut, is ‘night and day’.
“We can actually fit all of our trucks in the building now, which is great. There’s many, many advantages to it. It’s like I say, sort of apples and oranges.”
Another great upgrade for the fire station is not the first thing people think of when it comes to necessary firefighting equipment: a washing machine.
“We come in contact with a lot of nasty chemicals with what we do, when stuff burns. So you sort of need to wash it every time you’re in a big fire and it can only be washed in a certain type of machine.”
According to Donnelley, the new fire hall is equipped with the modern washing machine and dryer needed to properly wash the firefighters ‘bunker gear’ (the protective gear the firefighters wear when in a fire).
MooseFM also spoke with Wollaston Mayor Miachel Fueorth, who said the new firehall is great for the area.
“I think it’s an exciting thing for the community because we haven’t had a major project like this in a long time. And hopefully it lasts for several generations.”
During the event people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy some live music, as well as a burger or hot dog.
The event is free with donations going to the Coe Hill Foodbank and Thrift Store.
Wollaston is advising people that Highway 620 in Coe Hill will be temporarily closed from 1:30-2 p.m. Sunday from the Township Pavilion to the Fire Hall for the parade.
Emergency Vehicles will be allowed to pass in both directions during this time.