By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Stanstead Township celebrated the opening of a new fire station Oct. 12, marking a decade of discussions, planning, and construction efforts. The project was backed with funding from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MAMH). Over 100 attended.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mayor of Stanstead Township, Pierre Martineau, remarked, “This is a significant day for the Memphrémagog East Fire Board, but especially for our municipality. We’ve been requesting a new fire station for many years. This goes back even to the previous administration, whom I want to thank.” He also expressed gratitude for the critical funding from the MAMH.
Echoing these sentiments, Jody Stone, Chairman of the Memphrémagog East Fire Board, said, “Today is an important moment for the Board as we inaugurate the most modern fire station to date in the served territory.”
Gilles Bélanger, MNA for Orford, shed light on the commitment of the regional government. “Throughout Quebec, our government supports the municipal community in realizing infrastructure projects that offer essential services to the population.”
Located at 394 Remick Road, the fire station has the capacity to accommodate four fire trucks. Inside, it boasts essential facilities like lockers, showers, a dining room, storage space, a workshop, and designated offices. Such facilities aim to optimize operations and ensure the comfort and readiness of the fire crew, said a press release.
Stanstead Township, which encompasses Fitch Bay and Georgeville, spans 113.93 square kilometres and, as per the 2021 census, is home to 1,148 residents. With the new fire station now operational, Stanstead Township equips itself better to handle potential emergencies and to ensure the safety of its inhabitants.
After the event, Battalion Chief Brian Wharry emphasized the value of the new station to the firefighters and the community.
The new station is safer, he said, and explained the ease with which they can now decontaminate after being out on a call. Initial decontamination is done at the site of intervention. The station itself is divided into red, yellow and green sections. The garage is considered red (contaminated), and a second round of decontamination procedures is done there. Showers are then taken in the yellow section. Nothing from the red section ever enters the green section (offices).
The new station now has a washing machine for their gear on site and inspections can be done in their capacious new garage as opposed to outside in the weather. “The working conditions are better,” Wharry insisted, “and happier firefighters are better firefighters.”
Wharry noted that proper decontamination is essential, because the risk for contracting certain forms of cancer is much higher among firefighters.
Wharry was happy with the inauguration, mentioning that many attendees stuck around and checked out the new equipment and enjoyed the food provided. “It was wonderful.”