Thorold to convert fire station into historical museum
Thanks in part to funding from the federal government, the Town of Thorold will have a new home for its historical artifacts.
The town announced on April 26 that it has received nearly $6.3 million from the federal government to convert the retired Fire Station 1 into an energy efficient, climate-controlled cultural hub.
Fire Station 1 will soon move to a new, modern facility. The vacated building will house the Thorold Historical Museum and Cultural Centre. The former fire hall will act as a catalyst for future investment and interest in Thorold's downtown and become an important meeting place for the community.
The re-design of the facility will increase comfort and usability, while honouring its past as a fire hall. Funding will support site works that include accessible improvements such as a new elevator and barrier-free modifications to meet the highest accessibility standards. Major updates to the exterior of the building will improve insulation, prevent leaks, and enhance energy efficiency. Finally, the building will receive a new, state-of-the-art HVAC system that will not only support heating and cooling, but will also control humidity levels in the building to ensure ideal preservation of the historic artifacts that will be on display.
"Fire stations house the protectors of our communities. It's only fitting that the old walls of Fire Station 1 will continue to protect our community's history and culture,” said Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey. “Thorold is a dynamic and changing city and as it continues to make history, having the spaces and facilities to record and preserve our knowledge will ensure we can continue to learn and grow as a society."
Federal funding is bring provided through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The City of Thorold is contributing an additional $1,568,000.
Through green and other upgrades to existing public community buildings and new builds, the GICB program helps ensure community facilities are inclusive, accessible, and have a long service life, while also helping Canada move towards its net-zero objectives by 2050.
The program is providing $1.5 billion over five years towards green and accessible retrofits, repairs or upgrades.
At least 10 percent of funding is allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.