Goal

The goal was to determine if the 1993 building could be cost-effectively upgraded and connected to a new addition, or if it would be more practical to demolish it and build a new one.

The assessment included a site visit on January 5, 2026, by a KGS engineer, along with a review of available documents and some initial structural analysis.

Several issues were found with the current building.  

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• The concrete floor has shifted over time, causing drainage problems. Water does not flow properly to the floor drains and instead collects along the walls, which can lead to damage and mould

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• The building also lacks proper ventilation and gas detection systems, which are important for both occupants and vehicle operation. Only small exhaust fans exist in the washrooms

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• The structure was not designed to handle the extra weight of snow buildup that could result from adding an addition. Key structural elements, such as roof trusses, wall studs, and the foundation may not be strong enough for this.

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• Furthermore, under the 2024 Ontario Building Code, firehalls must meet higher standards as “Post Disaster Buildings.”  

They are considered essential buildings that must function during emergencies. The current firehall drawings do not show what design loads were used or whether the building was classified as a post-disaster building. Moreover, the requirements for post-disaster buildings have changed since it was built around 1993.

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​Conclusion

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The existing firehall is a low-cost structure that is nearing the end of its lifespan and would need major repairs and upgrades. These costs would likely be higher than demolishing it and building a new facility. If the current space is impractical for fire operations, it would be more economical to remove the building and design a new firehall that allows for future expansion.
Given these conclusions, the MCFD Board is evaluating the possibility of repurposing the existing firehall as a storage facility.