NLIS 4
April 18, 2000
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Furey says fire station not being evicted

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today responded to a news report regarding St. John�s City Council�s position on the future location of the Central Fire Station. Mr. Furey stated: "The provincial government has not issued an eviction notice to the city. In fact, the city is free to decide that the fire station can remain in its current location. However, for proper land use planning, the province believes that now is the best time to move the fire station to a more suitable location."

Mr. Furey, in a letter sent a letter to Mayor Wells on April 3, 2000, wrote:

"The provincial government would prefer to see the existing station removed and a new one built at an alternate site in the area. Our plans call for The Rooms to be operational in early 2003. Therefore, to accommodate site planning and development in the desired manner, a new fire station would have to be completed by the spring of 2002.

"We are aware that the existing Central Fire Station is not, any longer, considered suitable to properly serve the needs of the area and that a new one is an undisputed requirement. I believe you will agree that The Rooms represents a major and historical addition to public infrastructure in our capital city. It will have very positive economic and cultural implications. I�m sure it is our mutual desire and objective to do whatever is necessary to establish the facility as one of a small number of preeminent properties in the city. Early action on a new fire station would remove perhaps the only outstanding impediment to achieving that objective while at the same time addressing the legitimate operational objectives of the Fire Department."

Furey added: "In the final analysis it is City Hall�s decision as to whether the fire station will be moved. We are seeking the city�s agreement with this proposal to provide the most rational approach to land use in the Fort Townshend area.

"If a new fire station is needed, and the city has identified such a need, why not do it now if it makes sense to do so."

Media Contact: Mary MacNab, Communications, (709) 729-0928 or (709) 682-0366 (cell)

2000 04 18 12:30 p.m.