New Bunkhouse Boosts Forest Fire Response in Northern Ontario
Facility completed in May 2025 is the latest in IO’s long history of support for MNR’s critical work
Timing is everything when responding to forest fires. Located just outside of White River in northern Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ (MNR) North Crocker Lake Fire Attack Base acts as a frontline in emergency response situations. It serves as a staging area for personnel, equipment, and resources, allowing for rapid deployment and sustained operations in remote or high-risk areas.
Enhanced facility enables faster response
Emergency situations can change on a dime, so being able to have enough staff at the ready to respond and support to a forest fire is crucial. Construction of a second 10-bed bunkhouse doubled accommodation capacity on site, ensuring MNR isn’t reliant on the only motel in town in the case of an emergency. Being able to house additional staff allows MNR to excel at the crucial work they do, which now helps the Ministry enhance response times. The additional bunkhouse will also serve as a hub that improves logistics and safety for firefighters by offering a place to regroup, rest and seek medical treatment if needed.
Managing risks and working with partners was critical to the success of this project, especially given the remote location. IO’s Project Management Service Provider (PMSP) team collaborated with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Colliers Project Leaders Inc. and other partners to support strategic decisions as well as stay on time and on budget.
Site condition challenges
The original design called for a traditional permanent wood foundation, but unexpected site conditions led to some potential concerns around longevity and scheduling. A helical pile foundation design was introduced, which involves steel shafts drilled into the ground with the weight of the structure sitting on top. This innovative approach reduced installation time, limited environmental impact on removal, and led to cost savings while maintaining the overall project schedule.
By working collaboratively with our partners, streamlining the procurement process and thinking outside the box, IO was pleased to see the new bunkhouse completed in under a year and ready for the 2025 forest fire season.
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IO manages Ontario’s billion-dollar portfolio of government land and buildings that house the public sector programs, services and people that keep our province running. We oversee the day-to-day operation and long-term maintenance of these facilities through partnerships with private sector service providers. To learn more about how we find innovative ways to reduce and revitalize the government’s building and land portfolio, visit our Real Estate Services Page.