The design for a new fire hall for Thompson is a step closer, thanks to over one-million dollars from the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities fund.

City administration applied for the provincial GRO grant in October, after council approved a resolution authorizing them to do so.

The total amount of the grant is half of the overall cost estimate to design the fire hall.

The current one was built in 1971, housing 4 male firefighters and three emergency vehicles.

However, the growth of Thompson Fire and EMS to 29 employees, male and female, makes it necessary to expand the hall.

The City has set aside a parcel of land near the Heritage North Museum for the construction of a new facility, when the time comes.