Canton Fire Station (2003 LGAA)

Village of Canton (Winner)
County: St. Lawrence County
Population: 5,000 to 10,000
Village Hall: (315) 386-2851

The fundraising efforts of the Village of Canton to erect their new Fire Station were not only innovative, but saved the community a tremendous amount of tax dollars. In order to accommodate an increase in the amount of equipment needed to maximize protection, the Village Board formally recommended that the fire station be rebuilt in a new loca¡tion.

The building of a new fire station presented a poten¡tial property tax increase of as much as 22%. After recognizing that the taxpayers alone could not take on the burden of paying for a new station, the Friends of the New Canton Fire Station, Inc., a non-profit organization, was formed in order to raise money. The group engaged in a number of activities such as a letter writing campaign, various raffles, a benefit concert, and fundraisers in conjunction with busi¡nesses and other local organizations. As of March of 2003, the group had raised a total of $920,000 with the assistance of two sizeable donations from local universities. This level of support resulted in a tax increase of less than 5% for the duration of the bond for the new fire station. On March 22, 2002 the new Riverside Drive location was completed and the new station was officially opened for use by the volunteer firefighters. The 17,000 square foot station hous¡es ten vehicles, offices for the fire chief and assistant fire chiefs, a radio room, a training and exercise room, male and female locker rooms, a decontamination room, and two bunk rooms. The new fire station has had a positive impact on the quality of life of the residents of Canton, and has enhanced the Canton Fire Department's ability to aid neighboring municipalities in their fire and rescue calls.