The Mayor for Ritchot says the cost to put a fire hall in Ste. Agathe has come in right on budget.

Crews broke ground late last year on the hall near the intersection of Provincial Road 305 and Highway 75. And on September 20th, a grand opening was held for the three bay hall.

At Tuesday's Ritchot council meeting, it was announced the total cost of the project will come in around $2.7 million. This includes about $1.8 million for the building, $700,000 for a new truck and the rest for things like turnout gear and other fees.

Mayor Chris Ewen considers it a great feat to have stayed on budget.

"Great that we don't have to go and ask for any more money or pull out of reserves," he says. "I think the residents will be happy to hear that."

Ewen says it was spectacular to see all the contributions made by donors and sponsors. He notes $40,000 has already come in from Ste. Agathe area businesses, families and friends and says money keeps rolling in. Ewen says this further proves there is a need and desire for this hall in that community.

Ewen says residents of Ste. Agathe will feel a lot more comfortable and safe knowing there are emergency responders close by.

"They were more than willing to contribute whatever they could to make it happen," he says. "So just thank you to all the residents in that area for doing that."

There are 14 volunteer firefighters working out of the hall. There are now three halls in Ritchot; the other two are in St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes. Scott Weir is the Fire Chief for Ritchot.

Read More: 

Ritchot Opens New Fire Hall