Construction begins on Walden Fire Station and Library
Residents in Calgary’s growing southeast will gain a permanent fire station and a new public library in one shared community hub, with construction now underway on the Walden Fire Station and Library.
With an estimated project cost of $34.2 million, the project will create Calgary's first integrated fire station and public library. The facility, located at 969 Walden Drive S.E., will include a permanent two-bay fire station and a new Calgary Public Library location serving residents of Walden, Legacy, Chaparral, Wolf Willow and surrounding communities. The facility is anticipated to open in 2028.
“This project reflects the kind of thoughtful infrastructure investment that helps build a more connected, resilient and livable Calgary,” says Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “By bringing essential services together in one location and making efficient use of public resources, we're creating lasting value for residents and helping build thriving communities.”
The Government of Alberta contributed $4.1 million toward the project through the Local Government Fiscal Framework and the former Municipal Sustainability Initiative, supporting the delivery of this investment in Calgary's southeast.
"The Walden Fire Station and Library is a prime example of creative thinking about municipal infrastructure,” says Dan Williams, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Through Municipal Affairs’ more than $4 million investment, our government is proud to help create family-focused spaces that will improve livability and inspire Calgary citizens long into the future."
"This project represents the first public civic infrastructure built in Ward 14 since 1976,” says Landon Johnston, Councillor for Ward 14. "It represents the start of what we hope to be many, many more examples of reinvestment of property tax dollars into Ward 14 in the years to come. I will work to ensure future projects are delivered more efficiently."
The facility is being built on the site of the existing Walden Temporary Fire Station and will help meet the long-term service needs of southeast Calgary.
The temporary fire station has served the area since 2020 and will remain fully operational during construction, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response while the new permanent station is built. Once the permanent facility becomes operational, the temporary station will be removed.
"This new station will strengthen our ability to provide timely emergency response in Calgary's south and ensure firefighters have the facilities, equipment and resources they need to serve the community effectively," says Steve Dongworth, Fire Chief, Calgary Fire Department. "As these communities continue to grow, investments in emergency services help us maintain the high standard of service Calgarians expect."
The new full-service Library will include collections, children's spaces, technology, meeting rooms and programming space in Calgary’s growing southeast, where demand for Library service continues to increase.
“Walden Fire Station and Library brings long-needed, important civic infrastructure to a community who will now have a place to gather and connect together,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “Calgary Public Library and Calgary Fire have worked together for many years to support communities through programming, learning opportunities and public safety education. Walden is the first location where that partnership will be reflected in the building itself, bringing emergency services and lifelong learning together in one community hub.”
About the Walden Fire Station and Library
The Walden Fire Station and Library will be Calgary's first combined fire station and public library, bringing together two important community services in one location. Building on a long-standing partnership between Calgary Fire and Calgary Public Library, the facility will support fast and reliable emergency services while providing a welcoming place to read, learn and gather for residents of Walden, Legacy, Chaparral, Wolf Willow and surrounding communities. It will include:
· A 15,000-square-foot, two-bay permanent fire station.
· A 11,000-square-foot Calgary Public Library location.
· Parking for staff and the public.
For project updates and more information, visit the Walden Fire Station and Library project webpage or contact the project team at Walden@calgary.ca.