(VIDEO) Groundbreaking Ceremony: Lloydminster Fire Department Station No. 1

Michael Lewis, Chandos Construction

“Chandos is proud to have been selected by the City of Lloydminster for this project. We consider it to be a privilege to be involved with the design and construction of Fire Hall #1 for the Fire Department and Emergency Services.

"Chandos could be considered a large contractor by many operating out of many locations, this project is being operated from our Red Deer branch where we uniquely understand and appreciate the complexities and nuances that accompany a build in a smaller center. We are committed to work closely with the extensive contractor and vendor base in the Lloydminster area to not only ensure benefits from this significant Taxpayer funded capital project stay local, all while providing top value.

"We look forward to working with the City of Lloydminster, ACI Architecture and the Fire Department to provide to them a world class facility.” - Check against delivery 

"Thank you, Eric,

"And thank you, Mayor Aalbers, City Council, Michael Lewis and everyone watching on the livestream for joining us for this great event.

"This is truly a wonderful project that we see coming together here.

"I want to start by thanking a few people.

"First, I thank Mayor Aalbers and current and previous council members. With their support, we’ll build a facility and team that provides constant and focused services which meet our expanding community and its needs.

"I also want to thank our city clerk, Doug Rodwell, the project management team, and the men and women who serve in the Lloydminster Fire Service. We are so thankful for your service and what you do each day.

"For myself and my colleagues, Station 1 is much more than just a fire station. Station 1 is our home away from home, and it’s about community and an essential asset for current and future Lloydminster residents and the surrounding municipalities.

"When considering the location of the new fire station, the growth of our community and development plans to City Council played an important role.

"As the city grows and develops, so will the need for enhanced response times and service models. We’ll strive to offer the best safety measures possible within this new facility and its enhanced offerings.

"Where we’re building today will provide us with easier access to both of the city’s major highways and greatly improve response times to a wider area of the city.

"These response times are essential as having the fire service arrive on an emergency scene is critical in risk mitigation.
Whether it’s to the property on fire or neighbouring properties or those in danger at a vehicle collision, a quicker response time allows the Lloydminster Fire Services team to deliver life-saving manoeuvres that much quicker.

"It’s also important to note that as our community grows, so will the need for a more extensive department. With that comes enhanced training opportunities and traditional skills maintenance.

"With this facility’s training tower, we’re able to conduct training that is not only needed for our jobs but a requirement to help keep our community and regional neighbours safe.

"Again, I want to thank the community and our City Council for your continued support and for bringing us to this point.

"As we work toward building this enhanced facility, these next few months will be extremely busy. Now, and well beyond our move-in date, we look forward to continuing to serve the community.

"To keep things moving along for everyone at home, I’ll now call up His Worship, Mayor Aalbers." - Check against delivery

"Thank you, Chief Sawicki, and thank you all again for joining us today for this virtual ceremony.

"Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Lloydminster Fire Department as we prepare the construction grounds for the new Station Number 1.

"Before I continue, we must honour our past and acknowledge the current station’s namesake – Ernest Gordon Hudson.

"Hudson served the community as both mayor and councillor and worked within the Lloydminster Fire Department for 54 years before his retirement in 1988.

"It’s important to note that during his retirement ceremony, former mayor Patricia Gulak presented him the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, which at the time was only the second time the medal had ever been presented in Canada. This impressive legacy speaks to Hudson’s commitment to Lloydminster and the area, and we are deeply grateful.

"On behalf of my past and present council colleagues, I want to thank Chief Sawicki and those from City Administration involved in leading the effort to bring this project to fruition. As well as the members of City Council for supporting this necessary project and thank you Lloydminster taxpayers who, by paying for this asset, will make our community a safer city.

"Michael, on behalf of the Lloydminster business community, I want to thank you and your team at Chandos for supporting our local economy, whether it’s through the purchase of supplies or other services, and hiring local trades people.

"Since opening in 1949, the current station has undergone many additions and has served us well, as our firefighters kept our community safe.

"The construction of a new fire station provides us with an opportunity for growth and expansion to the fire services team.

"Over the past few years, our fire services team has transitioned into a 24-hour, 7 days a week department. With the addition of the new fire station, we’ll have the ability to further enhance services, response times and community safety.

"I ask everyone who is watching us today to join me in a round of applause for our firefighters and the team who call Station Number 1 home.

"Another important piece to remember is that until the completion of the new museum later this year, and the wastewater treatment facility in 2023, Station Number 1 will represent the largest new infrastructure project in the city.

"These capital projects show the commitment made by the current and former council. They emphasize our dedication to building a sustainable community that provides a high quality of life for local families and creates growth and expansion opportunities.

"So again, thank you to all parties involved for the hard work you do. I’m glad to see this project moving forward.

"I look forward to an invitation for the official opening." - Check against delivery