Designs for Prescott’s new fire hall have received critical reviews from the community.
On more than one occasion at last night’s public meeting, both the initial streamline design and the updated heritage design were described as industrial buildings, with one concerned citizen labelling it “strip mall architecture”.
Another resident expressed that he did not like the colour scheme and that the stucco wall should be replaced with brick.
Everyone in attendance did agree that the new fire hall represents an opportunity to create a timeless heritage design.
Tourism and Heritage Chair Fraser Laschinger attended the meeting and says that the masonry brick and limestone on the facade, along with the archways and columns surrounding the truck bay doors are all heritage elements that can be seen on other buildings around town as well.
Councillor Laschinger as says that the heritage design will likely cost more than the streamline design, which is another aspect council will have to consider before making a decision.
Prescott’s Director of Operations, Dan Beattie, couldn’t say for certain how much more the heritage design would cost over the streamline design.
Town counsellors might have to look into noise reduction techniques and sound barriers as well, with many neighbors raising concerns about excessive noise coming into their backyards.
Fire Chief Barry Moorhouse reiterated that he is impartial to the exterior appearance of the building as long as the inside has everything his department needs to succeed.
When asked to pick between the two, Moorhouse said he liked the streamline design, while Councillor Laschinger and Councillor Mike Ostrander both preferred the heritage design.
Pictures of the heritage design can be seen below.
