Baseball diamond would move if property chosen
Jun 24, 2009 - 12:04 PM
By Jeff Hayward
UXBRIDGE -- A committee responsible for finding a home for a new fire hall has smoked out another potential property for the site.
The hall, to replace the existing Bascom Street building constructed in the 1960s, may end up where a baseball diamond is currently located next to the arena. If that's the case, the diamond would move to a newly-acquired Township property on Main Street North.
Following a fire hall location study completed with the help of a consultant, the Township assembled a committee of councillors and staff to examine possible sites for the approximately $3-million facility.
In June, council approved soil sampling at identified sites to determine if the ground could accommodate a fire hall. In a report dated June 22, Fire Chief Scott Richardson said the site of the baseball diamond next to the arena on Brock Street West is now being considered, along with a previously discussed property near the Uxbridge Historical Centre at Durham Road 8 and Concession 6.
"It should be noted that the ball diamond site became available after the fire station location study was completed and the acquisition of the Kennedy House property by the Township," noted Chief Richardson. "One of the recommendations from the Kennedy House report suggested additional ball diamonds be included in the redevelopment of this property. Therefore, the possibility to relocate this diamond became a viable option to the committee."
Councillor Pat Mikuse raised concerns during the June 22 meeting about response times to northern hamlets from the arena site. Coun. Howie Herrema, chairman of emergency services, said all factors are being considered.
"There's no such thing as a perfect site," he said.
Chief Richardson added the hall also has to be in a spot where Uxbridge firefighters can easily reach areas in the township currently covered by East Gwillimbury and Stouffville, with which the Township has service contracts. "Both (potential sites) are a reasonable distance from the contracted area," said the chief.
Soil sampling at the two sites will be conducted in late June or early July, according to the report. Chief Richardson expects a recommended site to be presented to councillors in the fall.
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