Fire Stations Upgraded

Town Council August 11, 2008

The Southampton Fire Station, built in 1975, and the Port Elgin Station built in 1986, were both equipped with electric heat throughout at the time of construction.

Recently, each has been upgraded to radiant heat, in the apparatus areas, with natural gas as the energy source. Meeting rooms and office areas however, are still heated by the original electric baseboard heaters.

During the Ainsworth Energy Audit approved by the Town last year, the consultant recommended replacement of windows and an upgrade in heating systems at both stations. The Southampton station windows have recently been replaced.

When it came to heating, eight companies were requested to submit proposals for energy efficient systems and four companies provided estimates ranging from $28,641 to $44,175.

(next column)

(continued)

Acting Fire Chief, Phil Eagleson, explained that other funding opportunities are being explored but, "...if there are no other options, we recommend that the funding shortfall be taken from the Future Capital Projects Reserve."

Eagleson went on to point out that, "This year, $23,000 was budgeted for the replacement of the HVAC systems in both stations and, if the recommended system is installed, it would be a difference of $5,641. Currently, both stations cost $7,000 for hydro and $5,000 for natural gas, for an average total of $12,000 per year to heat and cool."

The replacement of the HVAC systems at both fire stations was approved and will be completed by Emke Schaab Climate Care.