A volunteer-led group in Welland is continuing work to restore one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings: the former Central Fire Station on Division Street.
The project is being led by the Central Station Education Initiative, a not-for-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers who have been tasked with bringing the nearly century-old fire hall back to life.
Built in 1920, the building served for decades as a hub for firefighting, community events, and fundraising before being decommissioned in 2006 and falling into disrepair.
Tia DeAgazio, a volunteer and board member, says restoring the fire hall is about preserving local history and reconnecting the community with a building many residents remember from childhood.
The building is historically designated and owned by the City of Welland, which leased it to the initiative after years of community advocacy to save the structure. The long-term plan includes a ground-floor heritage display focused on firefighting history, along with educational programming tied to the building’s past.
Recent progress has been made thanks to funding support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which helped restore the second and third floors. Those spaces are expected to generate rental income to help cover operating costs once completed.
DeAgazio says while much of the restoration work is already visible, significant fundraising and volunteer support is still needed to complete the project.
The initiative is currently raising funds for a $1.5-million accessibility elevator to allow public access to the upper floors. Volunteers are also being recruited ahead of a seasonal reopening planned for early May, along with upcoming community events and fundraisers, including a trivia night at the Welland Legion on April 11.
Anyone interested in volunteering or supporting the project can find more information at centralfirehall.ca.
(Written by: Matt Latour)