Halifax council to look into linking fire stations to new developments

Halifax Regional Council has directed staff to draw up a report on the potential for including fire stations in new housing developments.

The proposed report is asking to investigate potential housing partnership opportunities to facilitate the replacement of aging urban fire stations, as well as planning options to secure land for future fire station needs.

Councillor Tony Mancini put the motion forth, receiving unanimous support at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Mancini says replacing fire stations costs up to $15 million and can face delays.

“Other municipalities have been creative in being able to get these fire stations sooner rather than later by creating partnerships,” Mancini says.

“There’s already been some conversations in our community with non-profits that have expressed interest and this motion is about providing staff with clear direction to explore that even further.”

Mancini says partnerships could see fire stations built in with new housing, non-profits or for-profits.

He says that could help council meet growth pressures responsibly while strengthening public safety.

With files from Mark Hodgins, CityNews Halifax

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