The municipality of Coteau-du-Lac wants to sell its former fire station on Principale street, in the heart of the village.

The municipal council adopted a resolution to this effect at its last meeting on November 14. Built in 1966, the building is currently used as a storage facility for some of the town's equipment.

According to the municipality, the facilities have reached their useful life. The plumbing, ventilation and electrical systems need to be upgraded, not to mention bringing them up to building code standards. A water infiltration problem has also been detected.

"The building hasn't had any real use for a long time, except for storage. It's outdated, unhealthy and would require a lot of investment to bring it up to an acceptable standard... When blue-collar workers go there, they have to wear masks," explained Mayor Andrée Brosseau.

"According to the latest figures, to bring the building up to standard would require an investment of up to $1 million," added District 1 Councillor Alain Laprade.

For the time being, no prospecting has been undertaken and no bids have been submitted. That said, the council hopes to find a buyer willing to set up a business to revitalize the heart of the village.