It’s a busy place at the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Cobourg these days.
On Monday, May 5, 2025, the museum located at the former Cobourg Memorial Arena on Furnace Street took possession of another vintage firetruck from St. Boniface, near Winnipeg.
The 1923 American LaFrance pumper arrived shortly before noon and was put into place among the other seven fire apparatus.
It’s anticipated that four more apparatus will be arriving along with a steamer from 1868.
“Our oldest motorized fire truck is 1914 which is quite early for a Canadian truck. The very first Canadian truck was 1907” said Will Lambert, curator of the CFFM.
The newest truck is from 1960.
“That’s going to be our focus now. We want to expand the collection to newer models.”
Lambert said the CFFM was offered a airport crash (fire) truck, but there is one major problem.
“Our problem is we can’t get it through the door to get it in the building.”
Since the CFFM has been closed for approximately six years, the artifacts are somewhat spread out over the area and there is still a lot of work to be done.
“We’re busy moving all of our stuff from various storage places into the arena which is our new home.
Most of our small items are here now.”
On Monday, volunteers were bringing out some displays so people get a “teaser” of what’s to come.
“We keep being offered more vehicles and more artifacts so we’re thinking we need to make more use of the space we have here which would mean removing from the seating and extending the concrete floor out to the exterior wall.”
If the seating was removed, there would be room for another six apparatus just on one side.
Another issue the organization is working on is making the facility accessible.
“We want to make the front door an accessible door, we want to turn the referee’s bathroom into a universal bathroom so it will be fully accessible.”
On the second floor, the former snack bar is being turned into a reference library.
The large space where people used to sit and watch the games could be rented out to groups or even birthday parties.
Because it’s heated it can be used year round.
Lambert said the new home for the CFFM is a great facility.
“The large open space, no supporting columns makes it easy to move trucks around. We’re very happy.
This was a great opportunity that came along.”
“Once we get open and running it’s going to be really good for the community – there should be a lot of spin-off benefits for accommodations, food, fuel, all sorts of things when people start coming in droves to see this collection.”
For those wishing for a preview there will be a antique and vintage show and sale which will be held at the West Northumberland Curling Club directly across from the CFFM.
Over 35 vendors will be in attendance and is being held on May 11, 2025.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
