Middleton Fire Department fundraising for new fire hall
Tight quarters at existing facility
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The Middleton Fire Department has a space problem.
When all five fire trucks are parked inside the hall, the 32 active firefighters can't open a vehicle door on one side without hitting the wall.
The present fire hall next to the town hall was built in 1950 when the department's equipment fit a little better.
Chief Mike Toole said the department has outgrown the hall.
“The old trucks used to be a little smaller. The trucks are growing in size. The newer trucks do multiple duties,” Toole said during a recent interview. “It’s a safety issue. Storage is at its capacity. When you are walking around there are trip hazards.”
The proud tradition of the
Middleton Fire Department began more than 130 years ago when the service was established, relying on manpower, manual pumps and hose to keep residents and their property safe.
The first permanent home for the fire service was erected in 1898. The present fire station was built on Commercial Street more than 70 years ago to house hose reels and a ladder wagon.
A facility assessment in 2015 concluded that more than $2 million would be needed for capital repairs and modifications.
Land for the new fire hall and community centre was purchased and secured a year ago at the corner of Commercial and Marshall streets opposite the town hall.
Plans include four apparatus bays, a large community space with a kitchen and canteen, a boardroom and a training room. It will also be available as a comfort station in times of emergency.
In 2020, the Government of Canada announced it is investing $1.1 million in the project. The Province of Nova Scotia is injecting almost a million dollars in total. The Town of Middleton will contribute more than $126,500. Corporate donors have been approached, and grants are being sought.
“We budgeted about $4.1 million for this total project from all sources of revenue,” the fire chief said. “Our goal for fundraising to finish this project is estimated at $1.4 million. We are currently at approximately $537,000.”
Toole said the department has already begun fundraising for the new fire hall, and some progress had been made. However, fundraising plans were curtailed by health restrictions early last year.
“Because of COVID restrictions under the Health Act we have been basically on hold,” Toole said.
“We are looking forward to planning fundraising events as health restrictions are lifted.”
Toole said the department is looking forward to the continued support and annual donations made by the department’s auxiliary, the Middleton and Area Fireflies. The volunteer group is a strong supporter of the department. It organized takeout meals during COVID and in non-COVID times, it has held other fundraisers, like silent auctions, as well as catered weddings.
The online Firefighters 50/50 draw continued to be another reliable source of revenue during the pandemic, providing approximately $2,400 per month.
“That has helped us for sure,” Toole said.
The 100 Club, which sells 100 $20 draw tickets every three months from October to March, is another lucrative fundraiser. Half of the money is given out in draw prizes.
Toole said the department would announce the dates for another of its popular chicken barbecues soon.
“Fundraising is still a top priority for this department. We need to reach our goal to make this project happen,” he said.
“I would like to be in the new fire hall in less than two years.”
Information about the project and the fundraising campaign is available at
www.discovermiddleton. ca/firehall.
The public can contact the fundraising committee by calling 902-825-8277 or by emailing mtoole@town. middleton.ns.ca.