Calgary fire truck-turned play structure coming to Fish Creek Library
![Calgary fire truck in Fish Creek library The Calgary Fire Department has been working with the Calgary Public Library to improve literacy and learning for the city's children for some time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2023/3/22/calgary-fire-truck-in-fish-creek-library-1-6324228-1679507476384.jpg)
It’s hoped a Calgary fire truck that was decommissioned and transformed into a play structure can be set up in the city's largest community library.
That's the goal of the Ladder Up on Literacy fundraiser, hosted by the Calgary Public Library Foundation.
"We know that 90 per cent of brain development occurs before the age of five, and that the library’s free and accessible spaces are a critical resource for families," said Calgary Public Library (CPL) CEO Sarah Meilleur in a release.
In 2016, the Calgary Fire Department's Engine 23 was converted into an early learning centre and installed in the former Central Library.
Two years later, it was put into storage, but the CPL says the plan is to install it inside the Fish Creek Library – Calgary's largest community library.
"The southeast location serves almost 90,000 Calgarians, especially young families and caregivers who visit the vibrant Questionarium and early learning centre," officials said. "The addition of Engine 23 will make it the largest children’s library in a community library and transform it into a must-visit destination."
In order to make the strategy work, the CPL is looking to the community to raise $100,000 to build a new feature that will incorporate Engine 23 into the Fish Creek Library.
Chief Steve Dongworth says the return of the valuable resource is a continuation of the CFD's partnership with the CPL.
"In its new home, Engine 23 will serve as an important resource in supporting fire safety education and teaching children about the role of firefighters in their community."
Meilleur says will the addition of Engine 23, libraries will have 14 donor-funded play and learning experiences across the city.
The CPL says there are 77,651 children under five years old in Calgary, meaning the city needs "significant investment in high quality early learning."
For more details about the project and a link to donate, you can go online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6974328.1721750432!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
EXCLUSIVE Canadian company at the centre of alleged international pyramid scheme: authorities
Foreign governments say hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka lost savings to a company headquartered in Canada. This investigation from the IJF and CTV News shines a new light on how Canadian shell companies and registries were used to pull off the scheme.
Clip resurfaces of Vance criticizing Harris for being 'childless,' testing Trump's new running mate
Comments Donald Trump’s running mate JD Vance made in 2021 questioning U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ leadership because she did not have biological children have resurfaced, testing the young conservative senator in his early days campaigning as part of the Republicans' presidential ticket.
Why Toronto is a special place for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' star Hugh Jackman
Toronto has a special place in Hugh Jackman's heart. During an exclusive interview with eTalk in front of dozens of fans gathered in the parking lot of 299 Queen Street West on Tuesday, the Australian actor shared that the city was where his Wolverine journey began.
Laws that could get Canadians in trouble in tourism hotspots
There are some laws in popular tourist destinations around the world that could land Canadian travellers in mild-to-serious trouble if they're not careful. Don't let these local laws land you in hot water during your next vacation abroad.
Pennsylvania state police commissioner reveals stunning details about Trump shooting
A local law enforcement commissioner revealed during a House Homeland Security hearing on Tuesday stunning new details about the security failures that led to the near assassination of Donald Trump, raising more questions for the embattled U.S. Secret Service.
Canadian Olympic Committee offers 'heartfelt apology' after New Zealand accuses Canada Soccer of spying
The Canadian Olympic Committee offered a 'heartfelt' apology to New Zealand Football Tuesday after the New Zealand women's club accused the Canadian women's team of spying on them during a training session.
Jasper evacuees forced into B.C. to flee fires told to make U-turn to Alberta for aid
Thousands of wildfire evacuees forced from Jasper National Park into British Columbia along smoke-choked mountain roads Monday night were directed Tuesday to make a wide U-turn and head home if they needed a place to stay.
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on Earth, scientists say
Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded, breaking global temperatures dating back to 1940, according to preliminary data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Polar bear at Calgary Zoo died by drowning following 'crushing' injury
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has revealed the cause of death for polar bear Baffin last week.