County of Paintearth donates $50,000 towards the expansion and renovations to the Castor Fire Hall. From the left, Castor Fire Chief Patrick Kelly, County of Paintearth Reeve Stan Schulmeister, and Castor Firefighter Quentin Beaumont hold the oversized cheque. ECA/Submitted
Castor Firefighters will soon be seeing their once cramped fire hall turn into a larger facility dedicated to the force thanks to a $50,000 cheque donated by the County of Paintearth.
Members of the fire department came to a council meeting on Oct. 16 as a delegation asking for some financial backing for the project, specifically Phase 1.
Phase 1 focuses on a 20 x 75 feet of additional space which is already in progress.
Phase 2 will be to add offices and a meeting room to the back side of the building.
The fire department is hoping to start moving into their new hall with more space for equipment soon but a further expansion is required for it all to fit properly.
They acquired the building this spring. “The County of Paintearth regularly contributes to all three departments that serve the citizens of the County; Halkirk, Castor and Coronation, in each budget cycle.
“We do understand however that services have grown in size and scope, and in this particular case, Castor’s move to a new hall will add valuable years to the service,” Reeve Stan Schulmeister said.
Council made a motion at that meeting to contribute an additional amount of $50,000 to the Castor Fire Department beyond what is annually given to support training and equipment needs.
“We were asking for any donation we could receive so we’re more than happy,” said Castor Fire Chief Pat Kelly.
The fire department is now seeking funds for Phase 2 of the project.
Terri Huxley
ECA Review
