The City of Peterborough kicked off work on its newest fire station on February 16, with the building targeting zero-carbon certification.

The new fire station at 100 Marina Boulevard will replace the current north-end fire station on Carnegie Avenue that was built in 1967.

The building is being built to the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Standard for both design and performance. Building materials have been selected to address embodied emissions during construction and achieve net zero carbon targets, while the facility itself is designed to achieve net-zero energy performance using onsite renewable energy that will reduce operating and maintenance costs.

“The new fire station will help position and support our fire services workers as they respond to emergency calls in our community,” Mayor Jeff Leal said. “By building it using Zero Carbon standards, we’re reducing our environmental footprint in our delivery of this essential service. We’re building a better tomorrow, together.”

Lett Architects Inc. designed the facility, and Montreal-based general contractor JCB Construction Canada is building the facility for $10 million. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2024.

The need for a new fire station comes in response to rapid growth in the city’s north end. The building replaces Fire Station 2, which is no longer fit for purpose, having been constructed in 1967.

“The station has served our community well over the years, but because of its design it has become increasingly challenging to provide the services that are necessary from the existing station,” said Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger. “The new station is designed and strategically located to support our community’s existing neighbourhoods and projected growth.”