Erin Mayor Allan Alls is welcoming news the installation of an emergency generator at Erin Centre 2000 will allow the building to be used as a shelter in case of natural disasters.
The new equipment is part of a $2.6 million upgrade to the facility announced in early July. Federal and provincial governments will cover $1.9 million, the municipality will contribute the rest.
“It’s been my biggest push since I’ve been elected,” Alls said, referring to the creation of an emergency shelter in Erin.
He said the need became evident around four years ago, when during his first term as mayor, a major freezing rain storm knocked out power in the community for four to five days.
“We didn’t have warm up shelters for our people, other than the fire halls, but they’re not big enough,” he explained.
Instead many residents left to stay with friends or relatives in other areas, he explained.
“So that’s why we’re big on it," he said. "This way we’ll have a shelter that will look after most people.”
“It just gives us a good sense of security.”
Other aspects of the Erin community centre rehabilitation and renovation project include health and safety upgrades to the electrical, HVAC and refrigeration systems, roof structure replacement and a new alarm system. Accessibility improvements will also be made to the elevator, washroom, and signage.
