December 1, 2006

PROVINCE BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW FIRE HEADQUARTERS IN COCHRANE
Modern Facility Will Help Protect Communities And Forests

COCHRANE — The McGuinty government is strengthening protection for communities and forests in Northern Ontario by constructing a $3.2-million forest fire management headquarters in Cochrane, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

“The new Cochrane headquarters will ensure our fire response personnel are located where they’re needed to protect communities and our valuable forest resources from forest fires,” said Ramsay at a ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility. “The government is working on behalf of northerners to overcome the unique challenges of living in Northern Ontario and build stronger northern communities.”

The new fire management headquarters will house 10 three-person fire ranger crews during the forest fire season (with room for additional fire crews as needed), as well as seven year-round staff. The complex will include offices, an operations room and a radio room, a lunchroom/training room, and an equipment area.

The building is expected to be completed and occupied in late 2007. The project is part of ReNew Ontario, the McGuinty government's strategic five-year, $30 billion-plus infrastructure investment plan.

“The McGuinty government is committed to investing in essential infrastructure in Northern Ontario ,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan.  “We’re helping communities in the north to protect the health and safety of their residents as well as the northern economy and environment.” 

“The new fire headquarters in Cochrane will help attract and retain high-quality fire crews so we can provide efficient and effective responses to wildfires and other emergencies in northeastern Ontario,” said Ramsay.

This is the latest example of how the McGuinty government is working to create a stronger and more prosperous north. Other initiatives include:

• Making more than $1 billion available over five years in assistance to the forest industry
• Establishing the Forest Sector Competitiveness Secretariat, which to date has received 35 applications for funding from the prosperity fund and loan guarantee program. If approved, the applications would result in more than $1.2 billion in new investment in Ontario’s forest sector

Contributing $60 million to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation to support job creation and emerging technologies.

Related Information

• BACKGROUNDER: NEW COCHRANE FIRE MANAGEMENT HEADQUARTERS

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Steve Payne
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