Pickering Fire Services yesterday hosted a ground breaking ceremony for its new Headquarters – Fire Station #1, located on Zents Drive.
Construction on this facility is underway and is expected to be complete by late 2022/early 2023.
Upon full build-out, the 21,000-square-foot facility will have two floors with three tandem truck bays, which will hold a pumper, ladder truck, and the Platoon Chief response vehicle.
The facility will be staffed with Fire Services, prevention, training, and administrative staff, as well as feature meeting facilities on the second floor.
Geographically central to the future growth of Pickering, the new facility will allow crews to provide the best response times and service coverage across the city, said a city statement.
Zents Drive also holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it was named in honour of firefighter Ray Zents, who passed away in 2003 from work-related cancer after dedicating 25 years to Pickering Fire Services.
“Above all, protecting the members of our community remains our top priority,” said Fire Chief John Hagg. “We look forward to occupying our new headquarters in the near future and serving our residents.”