History

  Antigonish was first settled in the year 1784. It continued to grow slowly over the  years, with a big leap around 1850. Shortly after 1863, the village formed its first volunteer fire company. In the years to follow, a hand engine was purchased, which remained in service until  the installation of a water system for the town.

     On January 9th,1889, a proclamation of incorporation was executed by the provincial government, thereby officially declaring Antigonish as a "town".

     Late in 1889, talks commenced, looking into the possible purchase of a new steam engine, to replace the one bought in 1865. Also, in 1889, tenders were called, and a contract awarded to install the new water system. This was followed in 1890, with the introduction of electric lights to the town.

     The old wooden fire hall, on Sydney street, was eventually torn down in the late 1960's, and replaced with a new facility, a two story brick building, with four  bays. This building has continued to be the base for the Antigonish Town Volunteer Fire Department since that time.

     Over the years, the department has continued to grow. We presently have an active membership of approximately thirty-eight firefighters, who serve the town and its residents around the clock. We also have continued to up-grade our equipment over time. At present, we house a tanker truck, two pumpers units, a rescue vehicle, and a 100 foot hydraulic ladder truck. Our firefighters  continue to acquire more fire training and to improve on their skills. We also provide fire/rescue services for the town and county, including  the "JAWS OF LIFE" rescue equipment, assisting  at numerous motor vehicle accidents, when needed. We are also busy with fundraising, running regular bingo's, getting involved with many community projects, and the ongoing education of our school kids ,via annual fire prevention week activities.

For a more detailed history of the department, click on  the book