A controversial new fire station in Bracebridge will cost roughly $1.4 M more than first expected.
Tomorrow, the Bracebridge general committee will get a look at the Bracebridge Fire Department’s annual report which contains information on a range of fire department-related subjects, including the status of the relocation of Fire Station #2 from Vankoughnet to 1002 Uffington Road.
In May of 2024, Bracebridge Town Council officially voted to move the station, but not after opposition from residents, councillors and firefighters in the Vankoughnet area who felt the closure of the existing station would leave the region underserviced.
To engage the community and gather feedback, the Department held two public consultation sessions in July 2024 where residents had the opportunity to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Additionally, a stakeholder meeting was held in July with government representatives, key organizations and community partners to discuss the impact of the relocation and address any logistical or operational considerations.
In August 2024, a Firefighter focus group was also convened to gather insights from the Department’s personnel, according to the report.
The capital expenses for the construction of Fire Station 2 were pushed to the 2028 and 2029 budget, with an original estimated cost of $3.05 M.
However, in the annual report, the cost is now pegged at $4.45 M, all-in. The increase reflects movement in the construction industry in both supply chain and labour, according to the report.
“Staff will continue to work on preparing the pre-qualification documents and other planning tasks needed to get the project into a shovel ready state, allowing the Town to take advantage of any grant opportunities or unexpected changes to other projects that could be used to accelerate the timing of the work,” reads the report.
The 2025 Municipal Budget and Business Plan includes activities around preparing documents for the pre-qualification process.
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Charlotte Engerer –
That comment is complete nonsense. This is a municipal matter only.
Charlotte Engerer – The increased cost has nothing to do with Ford or Graydon, but Town Council’s inability to plan and construct projects within budget. There are savings to be found but no one is looking. We can always pay more taxes.
Another Bracebridge project over budget – +30% over the original budget – almost $1.5 million over budget, for a $3 million building. That’s not a typo.
This Council does not care about keeping costs under control, but the exact opposite. Responsible leadership would pause the project to find cost savings and stick to the original budget. Does a rural fire statation need to have fancy brick. Why not steel siding like ever other commercial/industrial building out there? Cut the frills and stick to the budget. Be prepared for another big tax increase. Resident’s can always pay more.
This is a steal of a deal when you consider that the new bandshell and washrooms at Memorial Park are projected to cost $565,000. Bandshell $385,000, washrooms $180,000. I don’t argue that a new bandshell would be nice and washroom at the park are needed but the cost seems high. As for the new firehall, maybe the council can rework the design to get better prices. It doesn’t have to be a palace, it needs to be functional. It won’t be the firehall that fights the fires it will the excellent volunteers we have!
Wow, I wonder if any of the builders involved have connections to Doug Ford or Graydon Smith.
Follow the money!
Building costs in Bracebridge are out of control. Seem much higher than other municipalities. Poor value for money., An independent outside investigation is urgently needed into Town practices. Bracebridge doesn’t need more gold plated facilities such as this fire hall.plan. Tendering practices or lack of them need investigation.