Then there were six.
On Nov. 17, Barrie Fire Station 6 officially opened in the city’s southeast end. Mayor Alex Nuttall, Fire Chief Kevin White, councillors Sergio Morales and Bryn Hamilton, and other dignitaries attended the grand opening.
The new station at 845 Mapleview Dr. E. — Barrie’s sixth — is expected to meet growing emergency-service needs in one of the city’s fastest-developing areas.
Nuttall said the facility was urgently needed to support the southeast.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure that needed to get built — even 15 years ago,” he said.
“Strategically located to serve the southeast area of Barrie, Station 6 will reduce response times, providing better protection for residents and businesses in the area.”
The 9,000-sq.-ft. station cost just under $12 million to build and includes 25 newly hired firefighters. It features modern equipment and technology to boost emergency response, along with a sustainable design that includes energy-efficient systems, full electric power and solar ready infrastructure to reduce operating costs and emissions.
White said the station will improve response times, especially for medical emergencies.
“This station is a critical addition to our emergency infrastructure and will help Barrie Fire and
Emergency Services meet the city council-mandated six-minute road travel time, 90 per cent of the time, on emergency calls,” he said.
Morales, whose ward is close to Station 6, said southeast residents will benefit from the station.
“Barrie residents can expect to be well-served when the unthinkable happens,” he said.
“I’m grateful I was able to attend the graduation of the current Barrie Fire recruit class, which is the biggest firefighter recruit class hire in Barrie Fire history.”
There are three other fire stations located in the city’s south end, one in the downtown and one in the north side. There are currently no plans for a seventh fire station.
