Construction on a new EMS base in Shuniah, Ont., is now officially underway, after a groundbreaking ceremony this morning.

The new facility at 1801 Lakeshore Drive will be used by Superior North EMS (SNEMS), and feature two drive-through ambulance bays and a new area for paramedics to rest while on duty. It will replace a trailer and parking bay at Shuniah Fire Hall #1, which does not meet regulatory and functional needs for EMS crews.

“This new base is welcomed by our paramedics who need a space that is safe and functional to carry out their duties,” said Shane Muir, Chief – SNEMS.

“It is important that we provide a space that is suitable for EMS operations, allowing for easy access for ambulances, while also providing the best service possible to the entire Thunder Bay District.”

The Municipality of Shuniah and City of Thunder Bay entered into a lease in December 2022 allowing the project to move forward. The building will be constructed and owned by the Municipality of Shuniah, and leased back to the City of Thunder Bay.

The contractors for the project are RML Contracting, with the KGS Group acting as the consultant for the new facility.

This is the second base purposely-built by a community for SNEMS services. The other facility is owned by the Municipality of Oliver – Paipoonge, and is on Marion St. in Kakabeka Falls, and was opened in 2020. The replacement of the Shuniah base was recommended in the SNEMS Master Plan.

Superior North EMS, a division of the City of Thunder Bay, provides EMS service to the District and City of Thunder Bay. The base on Lakeshore Drive will provide service to the Municipality of Shuniah, Township of Dorion and a number of unincorporated areas.

 

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Contact:          Shane Muir, Chief – Superior North EMS, 807-625-3271 or shane.muir@thunderbay.ca