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.
Announced by Parliamentary Secretary Vance Badawey and Mayor Terry Ugulini, this project will convert the retired Fire Station 1 into an energy efficient, climate-controlled cultural hub that will protect and preserve the history of Thorold.
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.
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.
Vibrant, inclusive and thriving communities are built through the infrastructure that brings people together and shares our diversity, history and cultural values. Federal investment in these spaces and resources are an important part of achieving our climate goals, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life in communities around the country.
