Public security
Fire Station Project
Context
Three years ago, the Municipality was assisted by the Engineering and Infrastructure Department of the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) in producing a complete assessment of its buildings. Among the key points: the FQM report revealed non-compliances with the CNESST National Building Code in the work spaces and garage of the existing fire station. In addition, the building is within the blast radius of a potential disaster at the Nexkemia Petrochemicals Inc. plant. The fire station must therefore be moved out of this zone to enable firefighters and first responders to ensure the safety of citizens in the event of an emergency.
Since 2022, the idea of relocating the fire department and building a new fire station has been gaining ground, and the municipality has decided to go ahead with this project in order to meet government fire safety standards. It should be noted that the Owl’s Head project has been abandoned. The reasons given are that there is no longer any financial advantage for residents, since the municipal lot cannot be built on (slopes) and is on a private road that is partially snow-covered. Government guidelines specify the need for centralized equipment and firefighters.
Various partners in the project then came into play to foster a joint vision and ensure the project’s successful completion: architects, engineers, the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Habitation and the Ministère de la Sécurité publique. Under the recommendation of the FQM, maps of the territory were evaluated to find an effective and compliant location for the future fire station. To this end, the Municipality has acquired a plot of land at the entrance to the village on Route de Mansonville.
In April 2023, an application was submitted to the Programme d’amélioration et de construction d’infrastructures municipales (PRACIM) for major financial assistance.
The vision for the Potton fire station
A new building adapted to ensure everyone’s safety
Objectives of the new fire station construction project
- Optimize efficiency and improve response times for the Fire Department (SSIC)
- Meet health and safety standards for SSIC employees
- Adapt equipment and storage spaces
- Improve workspaces to increase the presence of firefighters and first responders at fire stations during large-scale emergencies.
- Adapt spaces to the municipality’s future needs
- Improve municipal civil security organization
What is the current status?
In 2024, the Municipality of the Township of of Potton submitted an application for the construction of a new fire station under the Programme d’amélioration et de construction d’infrastructures municipales (PRACIM).
On March 11, 2025, Potton presents its firefighting consolidation project to neighbouring municipalities. Potton proposes to Bolton-Est, Austin and Eastman to manage fire and civil security by obtaining a delegation of powers. Radio interview with Mayor Bruno Côté on this subject.
On June 20, 2025, the Quebec government announces financial support of $5,323,500 to Potton for the construction of a new fire station. On the same day, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Potton fire station project took place. Work has begun and is scheduled to continue through 2025 and 2026.
The new building, located at 365 Route de Mansonville, will occupy some 1,030 square metres of floor space and rise over two levels. The first floor will include administrative offices, changing rooms, a seven-door garage, an equipment drying room and a decontamination room. The upper floor will provide staff with living spaces, including a kitchen with a rest area and dormitories, as well as utility rooms.
As of January 12, 2026, construction of the new fire station is proceeding according to schedule.
