A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this week in Port Elgin for the grand opening of the new Saugeen Shores Fire Training Centre.
Mayor Luke Charbonneau was joined by council members, staff, and invited dignitaries along with local firefighters to cut the ribbon.
The two-storey, live fire training facility is located on Lehnen Street beside the Port Elgin water tower. A news release from the Town of Saugeen Shores stated the new centre "allows for onsite firefighter training on core competencies including live fire, search and rescue, self-contained breathing apparatus, ladder deployment, rapid intervention teams, roof operations, and more."
Fire Chief Ed Melanson was part of the ceremony alongside the Honourable Michael S. Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, and the Honourable Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.
The new training centre was identified as a major initiative for local fire services in Saugeen Shores' 2024 Business Plan.
"Having the Centre for Training Excellence right here in Saugeen Shores is a tremendous asset to our community," said Mayor Charbonneau. "It ensures our firefighters are trained using state-of-the-art equipment, which enables the protection of our residents, our businesses, and, of course, the volunteer firefighters themselves who work tirelessly to keep our community safe. This facility demonstrates the Town’s commitment to safety and emergency preparedness."
"We are honoured to have Solicitor General Kerzner and Minister Thompson here to celebrate this milestone with us," said Chief Melanson. "Their presence underscores the importance of local emergency services and the value of providing access to top quality training services."
"I am pleased to see Saugeen Shores take this important step in enhancing local emergency services with the opening of the Centre for Training Excellence," said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. "This facility will not only provide our firefighters with the tools and training they need to keep our local communities safe, but it also reflects the dedication and forward-thinking leadership of everyone involved in making this vision a reality. Congratulations to all who contributed to this milestone achievement."