Varsity fire hall overhaul: Station expanding to include EMS, affordable housing units
The transformation of a northwest fire station into a building that houses emergency personnel as well as actual housing has begun.
A Monday morning groundbreaking ceremony kicked off the construction of a new multi-service complex on the site of the current station in Varsity, located near the intersection of 32nd Avenue and 37th Street N.W., just north of the University of Calgary campus.
The project, which is expected to be completed in the winter of 2023, will see Fire Station 17 redeveloped to include four Calgary Fire Department bays, an EMS bay, a 48-unit Calgary Housing development and a leasable space that could potentially be used as a childcare space.
"The safety of Calgarians is our number one priority," said Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth in a statement. "We asked the surrounding communities what their vision was for the new multi-service redevelopment. We heard that the fire station should also serve as a hub for the community.
"We’re very pleased with the resulting features, which will foster a greater connection between Calgarians, firefighters and city staff."
The redevelopment of the fire station is the first project undertaking within the city's integrated civic facilities planning program using the guidance of council to build multi-service facilities on city-owned land. The developments are expected to make better use of currently owned property and improve service to the greater community.
"Multi-use facilities are more fiscally and environmentally responsible," said Ryan Meier, acting manager of City of Calgary facility planning. "Using this integrated approach means we can leverage investment opportunities to provide more citizen amenities in a multi-use facility than at a single use site, which also reduces the environmental footprint."
City officials says the Varsity redevelopment has been designed to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impacts and enhance the health and well-being of the users and occupants of the building.
For additional details on the project visit City of Calgary – Varsity Multi-Service Redevelopment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.