Prince Albert council sends fire station feasibility study to budget talks

The proposed study would look at current and future fire service needs, possible station locations, response coverage, growth areas, conceptual station layouts, preliminary costs, timelines, risks and procurement options.

In 2023, the department said that a west side location next to the Alfred Jenkins Field House would likely work and the other suitable location would be near 15th Avenue and 15th Street East. Both lots are owned by the city.

Olsen said the city has already completed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work identifying potential locations, but a feasibility study would examine whether those sites can support a fire hall and what would be needed before moving to detailed design.

“This phased approach is the most prudent and low-risk path forward. It ensures future decisions are based on a clear understanding of operational requirements, site suitability, and financial implications before larger investments are made,” Olsen said.

Councillor Dawn Kilmer supported moving the item to budget talks, saying the study would give council a stronger basis for future decisions.

“We don’t know what we don’t know. And that is what I’m hoping that the feasibility study does for us, and then gives us a better ballpark figure and then gets us moving,” Kilmer said.

Not all councillors were immediately convinced the timing was right. Councillor Tony Head said he believed the city and fire department already had enough internal expertise to determine suitable locations and questioned whether consultant work was needed at this stage.

Mayor Bill Powalinsky also raised concerns about doing the study too far ahead of construction, given that a new fire hall could still be several years away.

“I’m not opposed to the study. I am opposed to the timing of it,” Powalinsky said, adding that cost projections could change significantly over five or six years.

After further discussion, Powalinsky said he was prepared to support the motion if the work focused on site suitability, land, grading, access and utilities rather than creating firm long-term cost expectations.

Community Development Director Michael Nelson told council the feasibility study would be followed by a second phase involving detailed design drawings, including architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical work, if council later approved funding. He said that stage could take 12 to 18 months, followed by an estimated 18-month construction period if a funding model was in place.

Council voted to refer the feasibility study request to fall budget deliberations.

The city has been putting aside money in a fire hall reserve for several years in anticipation of moving forward with the construction of at least one station in the next several years. The current balance of that reserve is nearly $900,000.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

Prince Albert council sends fire station feasibility study to budget talks

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