The former Port Robinson Fire Station 3 in Thorold will soon be put up for sale as the city council has agreed to sell the surplus property. However, in response to feedback from residents, the council has decided that the property will not be sold to just any buyer. Prospective buyers will need to submit offers to the council, who will then select the buyer that best aligns with the community’s interests, as per the motion passed on Nov. 18.
The proceeds from the sale of the fire station will be allocated towards initiatives in Port Robinson, a community adjacent to Thorold, Ontario, near the Welland Canal. After serving for 67 years, the fire hall ceased operations in 2021 due to structural issues and poor air quality, as highlighted in the city’s 2024 fire emergency services review.
The property was initially put up for sale in September but was later taken down following residents’ surprise at the lack of community consultation. Concerns were raised about the need for more engagement with the community from the outset, as expressed by George Upham, a former volunteer firefighter with 20 years of service at the station.
Subsequently, a public information session was held on Oct. 21, where residents and city councillors discussed their preferences for the future use of the fire hall. It was evident during the session that the community desired the property to be sold to the most suitable buyer rather than simply the highest bidder, as remarked by Thorold city councillor Jim Handley.
Various potential buyers, including Niagara’s Shriners Club and the Niagara Regional Fire Protection, have shown interest in acquiring the site. Some residents even expressed a wish for the fire station to be reopened, while others suggested turning it into a community center, library, historical site, or museum.
Following concerns about the rushed process, the city reopened an online questionnaire for community input on the property’s future use until Nov. 11. Residents emphasized the importance of being involved in the buyer selection process and recommended that the property be sold through a local realtor.
George Upham, who has fond memories of organizing events at the fire station, including a pig roast, highlighted the positive impact the station had on the community. Upham, a recipient of a bravery medal for his firefighting efforts, shared how his family was deeply involved with the station over the years.
The fire station was a hub for community activities, from street dances to holiday events, and even had its marching bands participating in various local parades. Handley reminisced about the station’s longstanding presence in the community, offering space for residents and firefighters’ families to host events like stag and does, baby showers, and weddings.
The city aims to ensure that any future development of the property is in harmony with the neighborhood’s character, reflecting the sentiments and history attached to the former fire station.