La Nation hires architect for fire halls, apartments proposed for St-Albert

In La Nation, plans are being made to replace the St-Albert fire hall and decide if renovations are feasible at the St-Isidore fire hall. 

On January 10, council approved Fire Chief Richard Groulx’s recommendation to hire IDEA architects at a cost of $61,545, to develop plans for the new St-Albert fire hall and to determine if the existing St-Isidore fire hall can be renovated, or if it should be replaced. The IDEA proposal was the least expensive of the two proposals the municipality received. 

The architectural work is being done in compliance with La Nation’s Master Fire Plan, which stipulates a new building is required in St-Albert and changes or a new building are needed in St-Isidore in order to comply with operational requirements. 

As an example, Groulx told council the St-Albert fire hall needs to be replaced, because it cannot accommodate larger firefighting vehicles. 

Council members did not ask any questions or make comments about the recommendation to hire IDEA for the architectural work. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Danik Forgues and seconded by Councillor Alain Mainville before being approved unanimously.  

Apartments planned 

The former day care building in St-Albert could become new apartments, if the plan passes through the approval process. On January 10, La Nation council held a public meeting on a proposal by the current owner of the former day care building to divide it into three, two-bedroom apartments and two, one-bedroom apartments.  

La Nation Planner Guylain Lafleche said the building became vacant when the day care facility moved to École élémentaire catholique St-Albert. Before it was the daycare, the building was home to the Caisse Populaire.  

Lafleche said the only comment received on the proposal was a suggestion from South Nation Conservation that a hydrogeological study be performed to detect any impacts on water quantity and quality in the community.  

There was no support on council for the study. Councillor Francis Brière said water is not being lost in St-Albert, and Councillor Danik Forgues, who represents the village agreed. Lafleche concurred there are no issues with the water supply and noted there are already other apartment dwellings in St-Albert. 

If there are no further interventions, the proposal to create the five apartments at the former St-Albert daycare building will be approved as a zoning by-law amendment by La Nation council. 

Mobile tower 

Rogers Communications is planning to improve mobile phone service in the area between Casselman and Bourget and intends to build a new tower near the former village of Lemieux in La Nation. 

On January 10, La Nation Council endorsed the Rogers plan. The 90 metre, guy-wired tower will be located near 8675 County Road 16. 

Mobile phone communication is a federal responsibility, but municipalities have the opportunity to endorse tower construction if they agree it meets local objectives.  

A report from La Nation Manager of Tourism and Economic Development Benjamin Bercier indicates the Rogers proposal meets the objectives of the municipal strategic plan.