DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES: Construction work has begun on the new Mariposa fire station project. On Wednesday, October 14th, the City of Kawartha Lakes announced a groundbreaking had been recently held at the future site of the new fire station. Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst, Ward 4 councillor Andrew Veale and Mark Wilson from MVW Construction and Engineering attended the groundbreaking. The address for the new fire station is 552 Eldon Road. “It’s been a long process to get where we are today, and I’m excited for what this new building means for Kawartha Lakes’ Fire Rescue Service,” Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst said, in a press release. “With new amenities, such as a modern apparatus bay, a dedicated training room, a decontamination area and laundry facilities to keep health and safety a priority, this project is an excellent example of how we continue to build for the future.” The new fire station consolidates the previous stations in Little Britain and Oakwood. The project is expected to be completed in mid-2021. “The current timeline indicates a goal of completing the structure’s external base in the next few months so work can be continued internally throughout winter. The new station is part of the municipality’s current Master Fire Plan, which will be brought forward with an update to Council in early 2021,” read a City of Kawartha Lakes press release.