SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — The City of Summerside is buying a new 60-kilowatt diesel generator so it can set up an emergency station at the St. Eleanors Community Centre and Fire Hall.
The move comes after a situation arose during last year's post-tropical storm Dorian where the city found itself in need of an emergency centre but did not have an appropriate facility. The only suitable building with a generator remains the Fire Hall on Foundry Street, but it is nearly 60-years old, lacks amenities, has no elevator and its roof has shown a propensity for sustaining damage during wind storms. Part of the roof blew off during Dorian.
"I think it's safe to say that during Dorian we realized some deficiencies and we're moving ahead to address those in a very timely manner," said Coun. Cory Snow, chairman of the community services committee.
A tender issued for the project only had one bidder, which city staff determined met all the requirements. The contract has been awarded to RICKS Electric at a cost of $86,250, taxes included.
Construction of the new system is expected to start in mid-April. It will have a 1,600-litre diesel tank and will be capable of fully powering all the community centre's system for 80 hours on a full tank.
There will also be a sound-dampening enclosure built around the generator for the benefit of nearby homeowners.
Coun. Barb Ramsay, chairwoman of the city's Emergency Measures Committee, welcomed the initiative.
"It's important that we have a warm, safe, place for our residents," said Ramsay.
