The Editor
Re. "There has to be better way to replace fire hall" (Letters, The Tri-City News, April 13).
City of Port Moody staff assert that the old fire hall has to be replaced because it isn't earthquake-resistant.
Metro Vancouver's proposed 30-year urban plan would have Port Moody's population exploding by 60% (mainly in sprinkler-equipped hi-rise towers).
The existing Fire Hall #1 has three vehicle bays and a single-floor administrative and personnel wing. The architect's drawing of the proposed facility shows three vehicle bays and a three-storey administrative and personnel tower (you can view this on the city's website).
It appears that the fire hall upgrading is directed at accommodating staff rather than deploying more emergency services vehicles.
Is the three-storey personnel tower another extravagant palace like city hall and police headquarters?
The fire hall master plan report recommends a new Fire Hall #2 at Barnet and St. Johns Street. Why not build a new facility there first and postpone Fire Hall #1 replacement?
I think a "no" on the funding referendum would be prudent.
D. B. Wilson, Port Moody
