The Township of North Huron has directed staff to develop a request for proposals for a new fire hall in Blyth, and to proceed with negotiations for the purchase of land.
The directive followed a presentation by North Huron Director of Public Works Sean McGee Monday night, in which he discussed the ongoing public consultation, a project cost analysis and project estimates.
McGee revealed the two locations discussed at a public meeting last week in Blyth -- the ball diamond location at Gypsy Lane as well as the North Street location -- had estimates of $2.3 million and $2.5 million respectively. He also noted potential private locations were "pricing ranges from $2.5 million to 2.9 million".
According to his "financials" tab, McGee said there is approximately $2.2 million remaining for construction of the new facility.
Reeve Bernie Bailey said council has decided to push ahead with the potential purchase of a piece of land, and that the ball diamond at the Blyth Campground has become the fallback option if the land purchase is not successful.
Deputy Reeve Trevor Seip called the Blyth Baseball Diamond a "last resort", but noted their hand may be forced if no other option is good enough to suit the North Huron Fire Department.