New EMS headquarters to be located in Saugeen Shores

At Monday night’s meeting (Jan.10), Council authorized a By-law to enter into a Site Plan Agreement with the County of Bruce (Bruce County EMS) to locate a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building adjacent to the Bruce County Library headquarters at 1243 MacKenzie Road and Concession 10.

The building is being designed to accommodate storage and servicing for nine ambulances.

According to Jay Pausner, Supervisor Development Services, the project is still subject to the Committee of Adjustment’s approval as the main driveway is not compliant with the current zoning by-law and requires a variance approval.

Councillor Dave Myette said that the addition will add to the area.  “With the addition of the building across the street from the police station, it will create an emergency hub and foster a relationship between the two agencies. I think it’s a great location for it.”

The area south of Concession 10 is for relatively large buildings used for institutional or industrial and commercial use and the proposed building is similar in scale to surrounding buildings with a height of two storeys.

Councillor John Divinski questioned whether the proposed Roger’s cell tower could interfere with the communication systems of EMS.  Pausner said that the County would have previously circulated the information regarding the cell tower but that he would look into the matter with County staff but also stated it was probably a low risk factor.

“I think this is a terrific building that will really add to the area,” added Divinski, “and keeps our emergency services close together.”

Mayor Luke Charbonneau said that the matter had been discussed at the County Council level several times. “Not only will this be a new EMS station for the town of Saugeen Shores, it will also become the headquarters for Bruce County EMS.  So, it’s a really positive development for the town of Saugeen Shores to have senior leadership of Bruce County EMS here and making us a hub for that service in the region.”

“It’s also badly needed,” added the Mayor, “because as we grow, this will provide the services for enhanced emergency medical services and gives us the room to grow and provide the high-quality service that we always have.”