Construction is set to begin on Whitby’s first-ever fire training tower, a four-storey facility designed to provide local firefighters with realistic, scenario-based training in a safe and controlled environment.
Located at Whitby Fire Headquarters at 111 McKinney Dr., the new training structure will include features such as live burn rooms, propane-fueled simulations, and training props. Each side of the tower will simulate a different real-world environment — including a two-storey house, downtown streetscape, high-rise setting and an industrial complex — to allow Whitby Fire and Emergency Services (WFES) to train for a wide range of emergencies.
The town says the facility will enhance firefighter preparedness while potentially supporting future public education programming.
“As our town continues to grow, so does the need to invest in the safety and well‑being of our community,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy in a statement. “It’s an investment in our firefighters, our residents, and the future of our community.”
Deputy Fire Chief Mike Tucker said the tower “ensures that our firefighters are able to master their skills in a safe and controlled environment, under realistic conditions. Training is the cornerstone of everything we do.”
The training tower is expected to open later this year.
In June, the town also announced plans to build a new fire station in West Whitby, purchasing a 3.44-acre parcel of land from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation at the southwest corner of Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road. The new Fire Station 6 is anticipated to open in 2027 and will help service continued population growth in the community.
“As one of the fastest growing areas in our town, West Whitby needs the right services in place to support community safety and wellbeing,” Mayor Roy said. “This new fire station will help improve response times, create good local jobs, and ensure firefighters are ready to respond when seconds matter most.”
Council has approved $17 million for construction of the fire hall, a project expected to generate several temporary construction-related jobs.
“This station, at the intersection of Des Newman Boulevard and Rossland Road, is ideally located to address emergency response times in the area,” said Fire Chief Mike Hickey. “With Rossland Road slated as an interchange to Highway 412, WFES will have direct access to the 400-series highways to address motor vehicle collisions or other emergencies, while also providing an efficient response to both the north and south of our growing municipality.”
The detailed design by Thomas Brown Architects will include environmentally sustainable features in line with Whitby’s climate goals.