New Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Base Targets 2027 Completion

Plans have been revealed for a new paramedic base in the east end of Sault Ste. Marie, with tendering scheduled for later this year and construction expected to begin in April.

The proposed single-storey EMS facility will be built on property at the corner of Bennett Boulevard and Boundary Road, near the Bennett Boulevard fire station.

Detailed design plans are now moving forward for the new base, which will include an ambulance bay capable of accommodating up to three ambulances as well as offices, staff facilities and other operational spaces.

The project is targeting completion in December 2027.

New Paramedic Base Moves Toward Tender

The project is approaching an important stage for contractors interested in the upcoming construction work.

SooToday reports that a pre-tender cost estimate is expected to be presented to the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation board in October.

The tender is then scheduled to close in December.

The current project schedule calls for:

• Pre-tender estimate in October
• Tender closing in December
• Construction beginning in April
• Target completion in December 2027

The estimated construction cost of the new base has not yet been disclosed.

Three-Ambulance Bay Planned

The proposed floor plan calls for a single-storey building designed around the operational requirements of Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services.

A key component will be an ambulance bay capable of accommodating up to three ambulances.

Other planned spaces include:

• Offices
• Kitchen
• Staff lounge
• Gym
• Laundry area
• Ambulance bay for up to three vehicles
• Additional operational and staff amenities

The combination of vehicle, office and staff-support areas will require both commercial building construction and specialized work associated with an emergency-services facility.

IDEA Inc. Awarded Design Contract

Sault Ste. Marie-based IDEA Inc. is leading the design of the new paramedic base.

Following a competitive bidding process, the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation board awarded the design contract to IDEA Inc. in June.

The contract is valued at just over $200,000.

The board is now being presented with detailed design plans as the project moves toward the pre-tender stage.

$125,000 Land Acquisition Approved

Planning for the new base has been underway since last year, when the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation board approved a $125,000 request to acquire a portion of property owned by the trustees of Emmanuel United Church.

The property is located at Bennett Boulevard and Boundary Road.

The original concept placed the paramedic base on a portion of the site accessible from Bennett Boulevard. Those plans were subsequently revised, and the facility is now proposed on another portion of the property with access from Boundary Road.

The new EMS base will be located near the existing Bennett Boulevard fire station.

Facility Designed to Expand East End EMS Coverage

Sault Ste. Marie Paramedic Services currently deploys ambulances from several locations across the region.

Existing deployment locations include:

• Fire Station No. 1 on Tancred Street
• Regional Emergency Services Complex on Old Garden River Road
• Paramedic base in Garden River First Nation
• Satellite station at the Goulais River Fire Hall

Paramedic Chief Katie Kirkham has said the new east end facility is expected to improve emergency response times in that portion of the city.

The new base will add another dedicated location from which paramedic crews and ambulances can operate.

Construction Trades Involved

With detailed design advancing and tendering scheduled for later this year, the project could create opportunities for a range of contractors, subcontractors and construction suppliers.

Potential trades could include:

• Site preparation contractors
• Excavation and earthwork contractors
• Foundation contractors
• Concrete contractors
• Structural contractors
• Masonry contractors
• Roofing contractors
• Building envelope contractors
• Window and glazing contractors
• Overhead and ambulance bay door contractors
• Mechanical contractors
• HVAC contractors
• Plumbing contractors
• Electrical contractors
• Fire protection contractors
• Emergency lighting contractors
• Drywall and insulation contractors
• Carpentry contractors
• Millwork and cabinetry contractors
• Flooring contractors
• Painting contractors
• Door and hardware contractors
• Kitchen equipment suppliers and installers
• Laundry equipment contractors
• Gym and fitness equipment suppliers
• Paving contractors
• Drainage contractors
• Landscaping contractors
• Site lighting contractors
• Signage contractors

The ambulance bay will be an important part of the construction program, requiring coordination between structural, mechanical, electrical, door and building systems contractors.

Construction Expected to Begin in April

The new east end paramedic base is moving through design toward tendering, making the next several months important for the project.

With IDEA Inc. completing the design work, a pre-tender estimate is expected in October before the tender closes in December.

Construction is then expected to begin in April, with completion targeted for December 2027.

The final construction cost has not yet been released.

For contractors and suppliers tracking upcoming public-sector construction in Northern Ontario, the project is one to watch closely as detailed design is completed and the new Sault Ste. Marie paramedic base moves into the tender stage.