Andrea Moss, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
The City of Melville is seeking $1.32 million in federal funding toward the construction of a new fire hall after council approved an Infrastructure Investment Plan under the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF).
The project is identified in the city’s 2026-2030 Five-Year Capital Plan, with construction targeted for 2029. The proposed facility carries an estimated cost of $3.919 million, with funding expected to come from the federal allocation, municipal reserves and borrowing.
Mayor Joe Kirwan said council’s approval allows administration to apply for the funding but does not commit the city to the project.
According to a council report, the current fire hall no longer provides sufficient space for emergency equipment and the department’s growing fleet.
“Our fire hall and apparatus bays are very small, and the trucks have gotten bigger,” Kirwan said. “We could barely get the last one we ordered into the hall.”
A new facility would provide a more modern base for fire protection and emergency services in Melville and the surrounding area.
The city has approximately $1.44 million in unallocated BCSF funding remaining and must submit an Infrastructure Investment Plan by Aug. 31 to remain eligible for future funding payments.
Melville’s fire department consists of 22 volunteer firefighters and one full-time fire chief. Kirwan said there are no plans to move to a fully paid department.
“Because of our size, we can’t support the costs of a full-time department,” he said. “But our response times and the service we provide are as good as anybody’s.”
