Calgary Fire Department replaces fire station in Windsor Park
The Calgary Fire Department celebrated the opening of the new Windsor Park Fire Station 11 with Calgary’s Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc and City Councillor Brian Pincott cutting the ceremonial ribbon with a fire truck. The new fire station replaces the previous 1957 building, which had reached the end of its lifecycle and could no longer accommodate modern firefighting vehicles and equipment.
“This new larger and more modern fire station will help provide emergency services to more than 14 communities, helping to keep families and homes safe,” said Minister for Calgary-Elbow Gordon Dirks, who was unable to attend the event.
Today’s grand opening was held in the station’s three new truck bays. The previous fire station had only two narrow bays to house fire trucks and equipment. Since then, the size and style of firefighting vehicles and equipment has changed and the old station could no longer accommodate.
“This new fire station is a great example of our dedication to public safety,” said Councillor Pincott. “It shows that we continue to be committed to maintaining standards for fire and emergency response.”
The new Windsor Park Fire Station 11 is located at 5506 4 Street S.W., just next to the original Station 11, which is being demolished. In the spring, community green space will fill the demolition site.
“This new fire station is built not only to house modern firefighting equipment, but also to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standards,” said Fire Chief Uzeloc. “This was done so the station can serve our community with excellent fire and emergency response, and also serve future generations with a reduced environmental footprint.”
Some of the Windsor Park Fire Station LEED features include the ability to harvest rain water from the roof, solar panels to heat water, and low flow water fixtures.
Alberta Health Services, including paramedics and an ambulance, were in the previous Station 11 with the Calgary Fire Department, and are continuing to reside in the new Fire Station 11 working alongside fire crews.
The fire station also features a public art piece titled Under the Helmet by Canadian artist Ilan Sandler. Appearing to lean against the side of the station, the large sculpture of a firefighter’s helmet was commissioned as part of the capital project and mandated by the Public Art Policy.
The new Windsor Park Fire Station 11 has been operational since October 2014. The $10 million building construction was possible with support from the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Infrastructure Program and Municipal Sustainability Initiative with additional funds coming from tax supported capital funding.
For more information on the Calgary Fire Department please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.
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