Autumn sunshine provided the perfect backdrop on Saturday afternoon for Thorold Fire Station 1 to hold an Open House.
The community event brought together people of all ages, but children were top of mind with various fun activities, including: bouncy castles, arts & crafts, balloon animals and a chance to take hold of the firetruck’s powerful fire hose and blast water at a nearby target.
For many adults, who preferred to relax in the cooler shade, picnic tables filled the large fire hall, where hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn and refreshments were on tap.
Thorold Fire Chief Terry Dixon was beaming with pride in being able to showcase the new station, which opened in August 2024.
“It’s been a great turnout with beautiful weather,” smiled Dixon, who also had his grandchildren at the event. “I’m so happy to see all the work that has gone into this. Our staff is incredible and I can’t thank them enough. When you have so many people come out to an event like this, it’s fantastic.”
According to Dixon, the fire station on McCleary Drive was about 40 years in the making, as a master fire plan back in the 1980s indicated the primary fire station should be built right where it is now. After the previous Fire Station 1 on Towpath Street ended up in a state of disrepair, the city committed to the new building. In 2022, ground was broken on the project, and last year the station finally opened its doors.
There is currently a staff of 23 personnel in addition to 30 volunteer firefighters working out of the station.
“We’re so thankful to be here,” said Dixon. “And, thankful to city council for approving this beautiful building.”
Many in attendance on Saturday casually walked around the premises to observe the various activities and exhibits at the station, including the Wilding family.
“Our kids love firefighters and it’s a local community event, so we just came to support and have fun,” explained Steve Wilding, who was thrilled that he and his wife Danielle made the decision to bring their two young children, Joel and Noelle.
“My daughter got to use the hose and now she says she wants to be a firefighter,” laughed Danielle.
“I love these local community events,” added Steve. “It’s a great chance to get out and meet your neighbours.”
The Wildings moved to Thorold about three years ago, after having previously lived in St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and they are always looking for opportunities to engage in fun outings that promote community spirit.
“I love Thorold,” exclaimed Danielle. “I think it’s the perfect in-between because it has the small-town feel with access to big city amenities.”
The expansive new fire station was the cornerstone of the day’s event, and drew praise from a number of people who were seeing it for the first time. On Saturday, it also served as the catalyst in bringing about a strong sense of community pride.
“We’re relatively new to the area so we’re still learning about the community, but we’re definitely here because of our daughter, Mina,” said Michelle Naraine.
“As more people move to the area it’s going to be important to have events like this, particularly because the demographic is now so mixed,” said Michelle’s husband, Michael Naraine. “It’s an opportunity to bring different members of the community together and to share and be diverse.”
Parents of two young children, Bryan and Nicole Trush initially saw Saturday’s open house advertised online and knew they wanted to attend, especially after a recent memorable interaction with Thorold firefighters.
“The firetrucks came to the park across the street from us and the kids loved it so we thought we’d come back and see it again,” said Nicole Trush. “My son Jack did the hose and my daughter Emma went into the bouncer and we got some balloons. It’s been awesome.”