LaSalle Groundbreaking Ceremony for Second Fire Station

The Town of LaSalle held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon at the site of the future second fire station, 2160 Front Road. The Three Fire Station Operating Model and Financial Plan was approved by LaSalle Council in March 2022. This model includes the existing headquarters station on Normandy St., a west station at 2160 Front Road, and an east station on Laurier Parkway in the area of Disputed Road. 

"Building a second fire station shows our commitment to building a safer LaSalle. Community safety has been and always will be a top priority for both Council and administration," said Mayor Crystal Meloche.

There are several factors that have led to the building of this new station. Areas of predicted future growth within the Town in both the short to mid-term and long-term have resulted in the need for greater response capabilities. In addition, a key factor in the recommendation of additional fire stations is the National Fire Protection Association NFPA 1710 guideline which requires that fire apparatus and four firefighters arrive on-scene within four minutes. With a three station model, 87% of the Town’s urban area will be provided initial coverage within four minutes. This is well above the provincial average for municipalities which is in the range of 72% for urban geography. It is also above the 75% coverage target for municipalities.

"With the Town’s growth, our needs have evolved, and this new fire hall will provide our firefighters with the modern amenities and advanced equipment necessary to address the challenges of today and tomorrow. It is designed to enhance our response times, reduce risks, and ensure the safety of our firefighters," said Chief Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Service. "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to LaSalle Town Council, the Town of LaSalle administrative team, our dedicated firefighters, and, most importantly, to the residents of LaSalle. Your trust and support have brought us to this point, and we look forward to serving you even better in the years ahead."  

The three fire station model is based on moving towards staffing each location with full-time firefighters. As new fire stations are opened, the target of four full-time firefighters at each location will be achieved over time. The financial plan transitions from two full-time firefighters to four full-time firefighters at each station location over a number of years The third station is scheduled to be built in 2031 and can be adjusted if needed based on future growth in LaSalle.

The tender was awarded to Gulf Developments with a bid of $9,000,000. It is expected that the second fire station will be open for use in early 2025.