Emergency service complex opens (14 photos, video)

Four-year-old Sierra King, whose parents Jeff and Mary are both paramedics, joined a list of honoured guests during today's ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly developed Regional Emergency Services Complex on Old Garden River Road.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle, Sault MPP David Orazietti, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson, Sault Fire Chief Lynn McCoy, CEO Joe Fratesi and Ward 6 Councillor Frank Manzo (on behalf of Mayor John Rowswell) all had turns at the mic to express the importance of such an undertaking in Sault Ste. Marie.

Sierra didn't seem much interested in all that.

SooToday.com found her snacking on cookies and brownies in the reception area.

The building houses both emergency fire and ambulance crews in one central location and replaces the aging #4 Fire Hall which still stands directly across the street.

For a video tour of the complex, click here.

In addition, SooToday.com received the following news release from local MPP David Orazietti:

************************* Orazietti announces opening of new emergency response centre in Sault Ste. Marie

McGuinty government’s $2.225 million investment helps improve vital community services

SAULT STE. MARIE - (May 16) - David Orazietti, MPP was joined by Michael Gravelle, minister of Northern Development and Mines, and Jim Watson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, for the official opening of Sault Ste. Marie’s new Emergency Response Centre.

“With a significant investment from our government Sault Ste. Marie now boasts a comprehensive regional emergency operations facility that will provide the best possible response during times of emergency,” said Orazietti. “I am pleased we are able to support our local emergency service professionals so that they will be better positioned to respond to the needs of the community.”

The McGuinty government contributed $1.225 million through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for capital improvements toward renovation and redevelopment, as well as $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), providing a total investment of $2.225 million toward the new $4.3 million centre.

The new facility will also provide a new joint training venue for emergency response, fire department, and police services personnel.

“Our investments are helping rejuvenate towns and cities across the North,” said Gravelle, who is also chair of the NOHFC. “Efficient emergency protection services help Northern communities demonstrate they are poised to accommodate new investment and development.”

The state-of-the-art facility is located on the site of the old Ministry of Transportation facility on Old Garden River Road.

The site has been renovated and retrofitted into a multi-purpose facility that will integrate fire protection and emergency medical services.

Centralizing land ambulance and firefighting services in the Sault and area will provide better emergency response to residents in distress.

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