Thorold’s historical artifacts are about to get an upgraded, modernized home thanks to a joint investment of more than $7.8 million from the federal and municipal governments, that will see the conversion of retired Fire Station 1 into an energy efficient, climate-controlled cultural hub.
Fire Station 1 is moving to a brand-new, modern facility that will leave behind a vacant facility that 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.
“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. 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,” said Vance Badawey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and MP for Niagara Centre.
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.
The federal government is investing $6,272,000 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program and the City of Thorold is contributing $1,568,000.
“Securing the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Funding from the Federal Government, for our new City of Thorold Historical Museum and Culture Centre signifies more than a financial gain. It demonstrates that both of us are dedicated to preserving our history and culture,” said Terry Ugulini, Mayor of the City of Thorold. “Through these efforts, future generations will have a better understanding of the past, while being guided toward a brighter future,”
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
