The Municipality of Mille-Isles inaugurated its new combined-purpose, municipal garage and fire station on November 21.
The extension of the existing structure, which more than doubled the size of the building, cost $813,020 to complete. The project was supported by a $528,000 grant from the “Programme d’infrastructures Quebec-Municipalities,” provincial program.
The remainder of the cost will be paid by a 15-year term loan bylaw, taken out by the municipality, said the municipality’s CAO, Sarah Channel.“The loan bylaw will add a slight increase to the town’s debt, but we have other loans that are expiring, which will mitigate the impact (on taxes),” said Channel.
Mille-Isles Mayor Michel Boyer said that the extension was necessary for the fire department to conform to provincial workplace safety standards. He said that the former fire station did not allow for adequate room to maneuver around the trucks, which could increase the chance of a serious accident.
The Municipality of Mille-Isles employs 21 volunteer firefighters. The public works department has one full-time staff member and four seasonal staff members who are employed during the summer.
During the grand-opening ceremony, Argenteuil MNA Yves St-Denis announced a second grant for the municipality, so that it can begin major renovations to the town hall and adjoining community centre. The cost to fully renovate town hall is estimated at $756,000. The grant, which will also be awarded by the provincial government, is expected to pay for around 65 per cent of the project.
