What Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal described as “a beacon of sustainability” officially opened Thursday afternoon (October 31) in the form of Fire Station No. 2.
Located at 100 Marina Boulevard at the former site of Northcrest Arena, the $11 million state-of-the-art facility replaces the firehall on Carnegie Avenue that opened in 1967 and has long outlived its best-before date.
More notably, the new fire station is the first city-owned facility designed and built to be certified by the Canada Green Building Council as a net-zero carbon and net-zero energy building.
That will be accomplished thanks to the incorporation of automated control systems, ground source heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and heat recovery systems.
In addition, the building was constructed as a mass timber structure, and features carbon sequestering material as well as what’s described as a high-performance exterior envelope. Featuring an abundance of natural light, there will also be a marked reduction in lighting and heat-loss costs.
According to the City of Peterborough, the station’s next-zero design will result in an estimated saving of $24,270 annually in operational costs.
Addressing a large crowd comprised of current and retired firefighters, several city councillors and city staff, Peterborough Fire Services chief Chris Snetsinger wore the smile of a parent proudly showing off the newest addition to the family.
“This moment is not just about a building — it represents a commitment to progress, sustainability, and enhanced service for all of our residents,” said Chief Snetsinger.
“For 57 years, our old station served us well, becoming a home away from home for countless firefighters. It has witnessed numerous calls for help, acts of bravery, and moments of camaraderie. We’re grateful for the legacy it leaves behind.”
But, added Chief Snetsinger, “Times change, and so do the needs of the community.”
The chief made much of the fact that the new fire station, which also features training areas for pumper operations and various rescue disciplines, is situated where Northcrest Arena once stood.
“That landmark was a hub for community activity for decades. Now, our new fire station will complement its legacy. Just as Northcrest brought people together for events and celebrations and memories, our station will be a beacon of safety and service for all.”
Later, Chief Snetsinger told kawarthaNOW that while the new fire station “was a long time coming, we did it right.” That said, he admitted “it’s tough to say goodbye” to the former station.
“But it’s about response times. As the community changes and the growth patterns change, the fire service has to change also. We’re not far away from the old one, but this does help response times overall and gets us there (to the scene of an emergency) quicker and efficiently.”
The new fire station’s coverage area extends to the eastern limits of the city as well as north of Parkhill Road to the Lily Lake Road subdivision. In addition, he said, the new location ensures a quicker response to the downtown core.
“It’s not just getting to a building,” Chief Snetsinger explained. “It’s time to task, to get up to, perhaps, the 15th floor. Also, our older downtown (firehall) can’t handle those buildings by itself. It needs help. That’s people power, which is also something we’ve been working on with city council — to have enough people to get the job done.”
Prior to Thursday’s hose-uncoupling ceremony — a modified firehall-specific version of the more traditional ribbon cutting — Peterborough councillor Lesley Parnell, the co-chair of community services which includes the fire service, also spoke from the podium.
She said with the completion of the new fire station that will be operational in two weeks, “We are saving lives and saving the planet.”
“The north end of Peterborough is expected to continue to grow,” she noted, adding “That growth will lead to higher demand for emergency services.”
“We also wanted to demonstrate how a public building can reduce its carbon footprint and promote cleaner energy practices. That vision has guided every decision behind this facility.”
Like Mayor Leal, councillor Parnell singled out Peterborough facilities and property management director Gillian Barnes, who led the project team. She praised Barnes for “bringing this home … to what you see today.”
Among her team members was senior project manager Ailan McKenzie, who pointed out the fire station’s certification as the city’s first net-zero energy building means “the building provides as much or more energy than it will consume.”
“It’s a pretty remarkable step for Peterborough and we hope it’s not the last,” she said. “There’s definitely motivation on the city’s part to keep on this path. We’re embarking on some new ventures that will allow us to make this type of building more standard in the city.”
McKenzie added “it’s a great feeling” to be present for the official opening, adding the planning and development process was “a team sport.”
Looking ahead, Chief Snetsinger confirmed a new fire station that will serve East City is on the radar.
“We are still working with our consultant to look at a future fire station,” he said. “The consultant wants that station in East City around the Lansdowne and Ashburnham area, so that’s something we’re going to keep looking at. We don’t have any infrastructure on the other side of the river.”
Other city councillors on hand for the official opening ceremony included Gary Baldwin, Joy Lachica, Andrew Beamer, Dave Haacke, and Kevin Duguay. Also present was former mayor Diane Therrien, whose council made the initial decision to proceed with the project.
