A proposal for a fire academy campus for Waubaushene recently passed public consultation without a hiccup giving Tay firefighters the possibility of training right at home.
The application discussed at the meeting sought to add “private career college” as a site-specific permitted use on the property located at 36 Hazel Street, which is presently zoned institutional. The new use will allow the land to be used for a firefighting training and education facility operated by Southwest Fire Academy (SFA).
The application is also seeking some accessory uses for the college building, specifically allowing for overnight accommodations for a maximum of 15 consecutive nights.
"Concept plan maintains the current building and expands on it with additional parking," said Innovative Planning Solutions planner Karla Tamayo, adding that landscaping is proposed along the edges of the property to mitigate privacy concerns for surrounding residences and the trail behind it.
Other site-specific uses include one detached accessory building, outdoor parking and storage of a vehicle to be used for training purposes, the outdoor use of a decommissioned railroad car for the purpose of training and a minimum of 37 off-street parking spaces for the college.
"SFA is a unique private career college that requires structures that are necessary to the education," she said.
The application also specifically states that no live fires are proposed for the site.
"It's a dry campus," said SFA president Gord Roesch. "Our students are all wanting to get into emergency services and they're respectful students. We encourage them to participate in the local community in any form. We (also) participate in fundraisers and community events."
Some ways students have participated in the community, he said, is by assisting the local fire department in emergency cleanups. As well, Roesch, said the presence of the academy will bring millions of dollars worth of investment in the community, with construction, contracting and catering services being chosen locally.
The proposal was welcomed by the fire chief and councillors alike.
"Our recruits have been trained there for the last four years," said Fire Chief Brian Thomas. "An area we really benefited from is that SFA has used some of our own firefighters to assist and train at their academy.
"I've already been approached by two of the other four fire departments in the area, as council is aware we share a lot of services, and if this goes through, we would be considering working with another partner where it would be mutually beneficial for all partners."
Coun. Barry Norris said this connection with the academy was a good endorsement for the project.
"I appreciate the chief enlightening us that our volunteers train here," he said. "Hopefully all goes well with the application."
Coun. Jeff Bumstead said he was happy to see a use for the old school building on the property.
"I'm excited to see the school being re-purposed into another type of school to help people build their career," he said. "I'm looking forward to it and wish you success in your endeavours."
The application will be brought back for council approval once it is complete.
