The County of Renfrew officially opened its new Paramedic Base Station in the village of Eganville on November 1. Located at the corner of Highway 41 and County Road 512, the new facility will play a vital role in enhancing emergency medical services in the region. The building, which was once the O’Grady Brothers Limited Garage, now provides expanded space and resources to help paramedics better serve the community.
For many years, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service operated out of a smaller space within the Township of Bonnechere Valley’s municipal building. However, as the service grew, it became clear that a larger, more functional base was needed. The new facility offers 2,500 square feet of office space, along with a 4,000-square-foot garage to house Paramedic Service vehicles. It also includes amenities such as shower and changing facilities, a kitchen and dining area, a lounge, quiet quarters, and meeting spaces, providing paramedics with the tools they need to deliver quality care.
The new Paramedic Base will serve not only the village of Eganville but also residents along the Highway 60 corridor and throughout western Renfrew County. This expanded space allows the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service to offer a wider range of services and resources to meet the needs of the community.
During the opening ceremony, Paramedic Service Chief Michael Nolan expressed excitement about the new facility. “We are thrilled to have a dedicated space where we can expand our services and continue to innovate,” he said. “The new base is key to supporting the health and safety of this large and diverse area.”
Renfrew Warden Peter Emon also spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of the new facility in meeting the growing healthcare needs of the community. “This facility is built with purpose and designed to meet the future needs of our community,” he said. “It will provide our paramedics with the tools and resources they need to deliver top-tier care.”
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski praised the County’s leadership in health care innovation, particularly through programs like Community Paramedicine and the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC), which will also operate out of the new base. “We are proud to be at the forefront of health-care innovation in Ontario,” MPP Yakabuski said. “The programs and services developed here in Renfrew County will set a standard for the rest of the province.”
Bonnechere Valley Mayor Jennifer Murphy also welcomed the opening, calling it a significant milestone for the local community. “This facility is a testament to our shared commitment to improving health and safety in the region,” Mayor Murphy said. “By working together, we can create a safer and healthier future for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”
The County of Renfrew purchased the building from Helen and Pat O’Grady in the fall of 2023. Renovations were completed by the County’s Real Estate Division, and the new base is now fully operational. The facility is expected to be a key asset for Renfrew County’s emergency medical services for years to come, ensuring that paramedics have the resources they need to continue providing exceptional care to residents.
(Written by: Emma Butler)
New Paramedic Base opens in Eganville to boost Renfrew County’s emergency services