May 7, 2025 - Grand Opening of Leeds 1000 Islands Fire Station 2
The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is excited to announce the completion of the new Leeds 1000 Islands Fire Station 2 and invites community members to join the celebration at a grand opening and open house on Saturday, May 31, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The new Fire Station 2 replaces the Seeley’s Bay Fire Station, which has dutifully served the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands since 1951.
The new 7,808 square foot facility is built to post-disaster standards with three drive-thru bays. The space allows for up to 30 firefighters and a full classroom-style training room for firefighter education.
The grand opening and open house will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 3306 County Rd 32, Seeley’s Bay. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Event Details
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches
- Guided tours of the new building
- Cake and light refreshments
New Seeley’s Bay Fire Hall
Background
The Seeley's Bay Fire Hall, situated at 151 Main Street in the Village of Seeley's Bay, has dutifully served the Township since its establishment in 1950. Initially constructed through community fundraising efforts, the fire hall began as a single-bay facility. Over the years, it has undergone multiple expansions. However, the evolving requirements of the Fire Department, characterized by larger trucks and an increased number of firefighters, have rendered the current infrastructure inadequate to meet operational demands.
2021
An opportunity to purchase a 5+ acre parcel of land owned by Keith and Garry Sly at 3300 County Road 32 arose for the Township. After receiving approval from the Council, the Township staff was able to negotiate the acquisition of the land, which will help in addressing the needs of the Fire Department.
(L-R) Councilor Brian Mabee, CAO Steve Donachey, Councilor Terry Fodey, Councilor Mark Jamison, Former Councilor Gord Ohlke (Deceased), Garry Sly, Keith Sly, Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Fire Chief Mike Prior, District Chief Derek Latimer, Former Fire Prevention Officer Jesse Gilroy, and David Holliday.
2022
- January - The 2022 Capital Budget allocated $400,000 towards finalizing the acquisition of land and commencing the engineering design phase for the new fire hall. This funding signifies a crucial step forward in the project's progression.
- August - Following the release of a Request For Proposal (RFP), IDEA Inc. was selected to provide design and construction oversight services for the new fire hall project. This partnership marks a significant milestone in ensuring the successful execution of the project, highlighting the Townships commitment to effective project management and quality outcomes.
2023
- March – Council endorsed the proposed 8,202 sqft. fire hall design provided by IDEA Inc.
- September – Council selected the preferred exterior design.
- October – IDEA Inc finalized the design and Tender package.
- December – Council awarded the Request for Tender (RFT) to JCB Construction for the construction of the New Fire Hall in the amount of $5,846,112 inclusive of the (Net HST)
2024
- April – Construction to commence
- July - With the foundation walls complete and backfilled, JCB Construction Canada’s structural steel contractor, Sydenham Welding, has been busy erecting the structural steel. The next step is for JCB Construction Canada to work towards having the building closed within the next month. Stay tuned for more updates to come!
- December – Project to be completed
(L-R) Steve Donachey, Terry Fodey, Brian Mabee, Jeff Lackie, Fire Chief Mike Prior, Corinna Smith-Gatcke, IDEA Inc. Dino Di Sano, Steve Clark MPP, Angela Kelman, Mark Jamison, David Holliday, Rob Nash, JCB Construction Canada Soroosh Sharifoor.