The much-anticipated new Varsity Multi-Service Redevelopment recently celebrated the start of construction with a ground-breaking ceremony on-site and speeches from Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth, Director of Calgary Housing and President of Calgary Housing Company Sarah Woodgate, Acting Manager of Facility Planning, Ryan Meier, and special guests.
“Calgary continues to grow and be recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world and this new multi-service complex is an investment in the safety and quality of life for all Calgarians in our northwest quadrant, for many years to come,” said Mayor Gondek.
The facility will be approximately 83,000 square feet and include the new Fire Station 17 (4 bays + 1 EMS bay), a 48-unit Calgary Housing development, Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, City Corporate Accommodation space, and leasable space (potentially a future childcare space). Additionally, the project is pursuing LEED and WELL Silver certifications to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impacts, and enhance human health and well-being of building occupants and users.
A report from livewirecalgary.com says the project has an overall budget of C$33.5 million.
The new fire station will support existing Fire and EMS crews that serve the community, as well as allow for some future growth. “The safety of Calgarians is our number one priority. 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,” said Chief Steve Dongworth. “We’re very pleased with the resulting features, which will foster a greater connection between Calgarians, firefighters and City staff.”
Council has directed Administration to build multi-service facilities to use City-owned land more efficiently and better serve the community. The new facility is the first development from the Integrated Civic Facilities Planning Program (ICFP) portfolio that addresses Council and Administration’s direction to corporately coordinate the facility planning and delivery functions at The City.
“Multi-use facilities are more fiscally and environmentally responsible,” says Ryan Meier, Acting Manager, 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.”
Director of Calgary Housing and President of Calgary Housing Company Sarah Woodgate added, “Affordable housing is about people. Access to safe and stable housing helps create inclusive communities and makes our city a great place to live and work for citizens of all income levels. Each facility is being designed to meet the specific needs of each community, with the vision and proposed amenities determined through extensive engagement with Calgarians, community leaders and numerous advisory groups.”
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Posted: Jun 28, 2022
Jonesboro recently took delivery of, and is set to put in service by the end of the week, its new $1.3 million ladder truck, reports jonesborosun.com.
The 100-foot ladder will replace a 75-foot apparatus, which was sold to reduce the cost of its successor, officials say.
The department now has three trucks with 100-foot ladders.
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