Community group seeks takeover of surplus fire hall

Conrad Beaubien is expected to address council Tuesday night regarding a vision to turn the surplus Hillier Fire Hall property and buildings over to a community-based group.

Beaubien, in his deputation, notes the group, overseen by a governing board, would assume all liabilities and responsibilities for the rehabilitation and development of the site for purposes of building traffic for local businesses, increasing tourism and creating a better environment for children and youth.

“The 1.5 acres and buildings on the site will be made available for the staging of outdoor events such as the well-established Hillier Fish Fry,” said Beaubien in his report.

The site, bordering Jack Taylor Bicentennial Park, would be to offers parking, conservation grounds, permanent weather cover and operating facilities. Present garages would also be made accessible from the park side. Concepts include re-purposing the sand dome structure as an outdoor performance stage and garages and buildings would augment summer theatre in the County.

“A committee is ready to take over,” states Beaubien. “This managing group will free the County from obligations regarding the site. The project, in a simplified form, can be up and running this summer with a more thorough renovation to follow.”

An official opening could be slated for 2017, Canada’s 150th.