Community pours into Ardmore Fire Hall Grand Opening

Residents got to enjoy a burger and take a tour of the new Ardmore Fire Hall on Saturday.

The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority received the keys to the hall in December 2021 and now residents got to see what the building expansion allows the firefighters to do in their facility.

With a large classroom upstairs, two rooms to simulate search and rescue, lifting assists, two bays to park trucks, plus the M.D. of Bonnyville Grader Shop adjoined, it’s a major upgrade to replace the previous hall, which was built in 1962.

“This new building’s allowed us to park a brand new truck in here. Our previous building was too short,” said Station 8 fire chief Derek Neumann, whose been in the role for almost one year. “It’s a gorgeous building. Today has been fantastic.”

MLA Dave Hanson hands Station 8 Fire Chief Derek Neumann a plaque commemorating the Grand Opening.

Ardmore Fire Hall.

MLA David Hanson.

BRFA Alicia Krawchuk deputy fire chief, 2022.

Ardmore Fire Hall.

Mayor Elisa Brosseau

Reeve Barry Kalinski.

Dozens piled into the welcoming event, while dignitaries from the M.D. and Town of Bonnyville spoke, as well as MLA David Hanson, and BRFA fire chief Dan Heney.

Construction and engineering went through multiple delays, as this project was announced at the same time as the new Fort Kent Fire Hall in 2018. Work finally began rolling in late 2019. There was $5 million allotted between the two facilities by the M.D. of Bonnyville.

“We’ve got two bays here. The M.D. is growing, responses are continuing to climb. Volunteers are needed…so hopefully the department can come across a tender for a water truck. That would be assist us and Fort Kent in the area,” said Neumann.

So far in 2022, Ardmore volunteer firefighters have had to respond to 11 medical assist calls, six structure fires, 22 motor vehicle collisions, one wildland fire, and other various callouts to support surrounding communities.

With 23 or so members, but many with work that takes them out of the area on any given day, Neumann is hoping to have more volunteers jump on board.

“We do have the application forms… I know all departments Cold Lake, La Corey, Iron River, even Bonnyville are looking for volunteers. Volunteers are what make it and that’s what makes this hall are our volunteers.”