Saugeen Shores Fire Service officially opened its new dedicated training centre on Monday, September 8th (2025), in Port Elgin at what was the former skate park adjacent to the water tower.
Solicitor General of Ontario, the Hon. Michael S. Kerzner and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson attended the official ribbon cutting ceremony with Saugeen Shores Mayor and Warden of Bruce County, Luke Charbonneau along with town staff and Saugeen Shores firefighters.
“You have an amazing champion in this Solicitor General who wants to make sure that
when you answer that call you have a safe environment and that you can trust you have a government at the provincial level that stands with you,” said MPP Lisa Thompson. “This may be a small department, but you are servicing one of the fastest growing communities that people are choosing to live in in all of Ontario. We have to keep growing this community and this Fire Service because we know what we have to offer.”
As Fire Chief, Ed Melanson, explained, the new facility enables firefighters to train under controlled circumstances that simulate various fire situations.
“Making this investment was absolutely the right thing to do,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “Fire Chief Melanson is a leader who is recognized across Ontario and the firefighters are our number one asset. As a volunteer fire service who give of their time, and time away from their families, to train and to respond when the people of our community are in what may be one of the biggest crisis in their lives, it’s you who show up and fix the problem. It’s because of you that we live in one of the safest communities in Ontario.”
For larger view, click on image
