It hasn’t even been designed yet, but a new EMS building on the grounds of Northern College will now be a multi-use facility.

The other user?  The Whitney volunteer firefighters, thanks to a $2 million dollar contribution from the city.

Mayor Steve Black raved about the impact and cost-effectiveness volunteer firefighters have on the city, while also addressing a concern regarding a proposed amalgamation of the Whitney and South Porcupine fire departments.

“I told the volunteer firefighters when I attended their event in South Porcupine that it’s not an issue I’m going to support,” said Black.

“Keeping (the current volunteer firefighter) system in tact is of critical importance to the City of Timmins and one of the reasons why our firefighting services is much cheaper than many places in the province.”

It is a stance the rest of council supported.

Black says the new building is a project that’s been in the works for over a decade, but they were waiting for the college to come up with their share of the funding.

Last month, it was announced the federal and provincial governments would kick in a combined $11 million dollars to build an Integrated EMS complex.  Northern is producing another $700,000 towards it.

The facility will also be used by Northern College students, giving them access to new equipment and enhanced hands-on learning opportunities.

Pending full approval by city council, construction is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2017.

Filed under: Local News