NEWSMAKERS 2022: Aurora and Newmarket’s first joint fire station enhances service to both town

Energy-efficient, multistorey facility will help reduce response times for communities it serves

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 22, 2022
Melissa Wallace

Dozens of residents showed up at 300 Earl Stewart Dr. in Aurora to celebrate the opening of Fire Station 4-5 last fall.

The 23,000-square-foot fire hall and training facility is the first fire station jointly built by the two towns, two decades after Aurora and Newmarket amalgamated their fire departments into Central York Fire Services (CYFS).

“The opening of the Fire Station 4-5 shows that we’re growing as a service and evolving to meet the needs of our community,” CYFS fire Chief Ian Laing said. “This facility will help us respond to emergencies faster, provide enhanced training, and allow us to maintain equipment more effectively, while also providing opportunities for staff to strengthen their physical and mental health, a need which has been highlighted through the pandemic.”

The energy-efficient, multistorey facility is home to two working fire suppression crews, which will help reduce response times. It also has two electric vehicle charging stations, a spray-washing system to improve the longevity of fire trucks, boardrooms, office space and a dedicated fitness space.

“I’m incredibly proud of how the two towns and CYFS came together to identify a need in our community, and provided the funding, resources and expertise to get this project completed,” said Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas.