To continue Edmonton Fire Rescue Services’ (EFRS) commitment to protect life, property and the environment, Callingwood Fire Station No. 19 (6210 178 St NW) and University Fire Station No. 3 (11226 76 Ave NW) are undergoing renovations. Resources and apparatus are temporarily redeployed to nearby stations as a temporary closure of each station is necessary.

The two fire stations are among the oldest in Edmonton. Callingwood Fire Station No. 19 was built in 1978. University Fire Station No. 3 was built in 1974. The buildings’ infrastructure had reached the end of its life cycle and required rehabilitation or replacement. Construction started in Spring 2022 and anticipated completion is in late 2023. 

Construction work is taking place during business hours, with possible weekend work. All construction work is being conducted in accordance with building code standards. 

EFRS is confident in its ability to continue to provide internationally recognized front-line fire rescue services, fire prevention programs and public education to the Callingwood and University communities. It is not anticipated that this temporary redeployment of resources will cause any measurable change in Fire Rescue Services' full first-alarm response time.

FAQs

Will Fire Rescue Services response time change in our area during the revitalization?

Residents of both the Callingwood and University neighbourhoods can expect the same level of Fire Rescue response during the station renovations, thanks to a carefully planned redeployment of resources. 

Fire response commonly involves multiple stations responding to a single event, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services does not anticipate that this temporary redeployment of resources will cause any measurable change in full first-alarm response time benchmarks.

Where will the Callingwood and University station fire units be housed and deployed from during the revitalization?

Full redeployment of resources from both stations is required during the revitalization process due to Occupational Health and Safety requirements. 

Callingwood Station Units
Units will be temporarily relocated to Fire Station No. 12 (Meadowlark) and Fire Station No. 29 (Lewis Farms)

University Station Units
Units will be temporarily relocated to Fire Station No. 2 (Downtown); this will result in one unit from Fire Station No. 2 being temporarily redeployed from Fire Station No. 13 (Rainbow Valley)

What other options were considered to keep fire units from both stations within the area?

The City of Edmonton has explored various options to repurpose existing corporate assets or locate suitable commercial space to temporarily house Fire Rescue operations in both the Callingwood and University areas. The best option for continued efficiency and effectiveness is to relocate services to nearby stations. 

Why not build new fire stations?

Building new fire stations would significantly require more time and more money. The revitalization approach is a much more efficient solution.

What renovations are being done to the stations?

Revitalizations to both fire stations No. 3 and No. 19 will include rehabilitations to building systems and upgrades to the facilities to meet Fire Rescue standards including having a specialized duty gear room to ensure a safe and healthy working space.

Will the capacity of the Callingwood and University stations increase with the revitalization?

No. Both stations will maintain their current capacity.

Will the revitalization affect those living close to the Callingwood and University fire stations?

We anticipate that the revitalization work will have minimal impact on Edmontonians who live in close vicinity to the Callingwood and University stations. Construction will take place during business hours, with possible weekend work. All construction work will be conducted in accordance with building code standards. If you have any issues, please contact 311.

Will the progress of the Callingwood and University fire station revitalizations be communicated to the community?

Yes. The City of Edmonton will continue to provide information to the community as updates become available on our website and social media accounts. We will also host a grand reopening at both stations once the revitalizations are complete.

What other agencies have been notified about the redeployment of resources?

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services has notified its external emergency response partners, Alberta Health Services and Edmonton Police Services, of the upcoming renovations.