Grey County is moving forward with plans to establish a new paramedic services base in Feversham, enhancing emergency response capabilities for rural communities.
Deputy CAO Randy Sherzer said the base will help the county respond to the projected 68 per cent increase in call volumes over the next decade.
"The proposed new paramedic base in Feversham is one of the bases that is proposed as part of the comprehensive deployment review," Sherzer explained. "These new bases are part of the overall service enhancements that will ensure that Paramedic Services can meet Grey County's growing demands and sustain current service levels up to 2033"
The new facility will help paramedics respond more quickly to emergencies in the region.
“When an accident or medical emergency happens, Grey County residents and visitors should be confident help will arrive quickly,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “Grey County is investing in our paramedic services not just to meet the needs of our community today, but for years to come.”
The County is working with the Municipality of Grey Highlands to acquire municipal land near a salt dome on Grey Road 2 in Feversham, with no purchase cost expected. The County transferred ownership of the same land to Grey Highlands in 2021, considering it surplus.
"The Feversham base build is included in the 2025 approved budget for the construction service this year," Sherzer said. "The total cost for the new fevers and base including land acquisition costs, consulting fees and construction costs, is estimated at $1.6 million to be funded by debenture."
The Feversham base will feature two ambulance bays, office space, a wellness room, storage, and accommodations for paramedic staff. Its design will serve as a model for future paramedic bases in Ayton (2026), Thornbury (2027), and Cobble Beach (2028) as Grey County continues its commitment to improving rural emergency services.
In addition to the new bases, the County is also working to redevelop the Durham paramedic base and increase staffing in high-volume areas like Owen Sound and Hanover.
Grey County staff are also investigating the relocation of the paramedic base in Dundalk, which is currently shared with the Dundalk Fire Department. With Dundalk experiencing significant growth, the Fire Department requires additional space to support its operations.
The Feversham base and other expansions are part of Grey County’s broader paramedic service strategy to ensure communities across the region have faster access to emergency care.