Windermere Fire Station 31, located in southwest Edmonton, serves as a vital hub for emergency response services in the area. Its role extends beyond firefighting to encompass emergency medical services, technical rescues, and community education on fire safety and disaster preparedness.
The planning phase involved assessing population growth patterns, traffic density, response times, and potential risks in the area. These insights were invaluable in determining the ideal location and design of the fire station.
Devin Richards is the Project Manager, Facility Infrastructure Delivery, for the City of Edmonton. He says Windermere Fire Station 31 currently serves 28,000 residents living in southwest Edmonton, including Windermere, Ambleside and other southwest neighbourhoods—a number is expected to grow to 45,000 in the next few years.
Construction of Windermere Fire Station 31 began in 2021, celebrating its grand opening in August 2023. The architectural design of the station was meticulously crafted to blend with the surrounding community while maintaining a distinct identity. The station’s modern, state-of-the-art facilities were designed to support the needs of firefighters, paramedics and emergency response teams. The building design received the Canadian Architect 2018 Award of Excellence. The lead design architect was gh3* and the prime consultant was S2 and the general contractor was PCL Construction. The building is projected to achieve LEED Silver certification.
“Residents in the southwest of Edmonton are excited to have this new station in their community,” says Richards. “Hundreds of community members came to celebrate at the grand opening event in August.”
Sustainability
Windermere Fire Station 31 is not only a symbol of safety but also a testament to Edmonton’s commitment to sustainability. The fire station was initiated as a pilot project under the City of Edmonton’s prior policy (C532 Sustainable Building Policy). While this facility is the City’s first net-zero energy facility, the City’s updated Climate Resilience policy requires all new city-owned buildings to be emissions neutral—a step above net-zero energy.
“As a net-zero energy building, the total amount of energy used annually is equal to the amount of renewable energy created on site,” says Richards. “This involves features which reduce the energy consumption required to operate the facility while also generating on-site energy to reduce the overall greenhouse gas emissions.”
With features like the geothermal heating and cooling system, renewable energy sources such as solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting, this fire station is a shining example of how modern infrastructure can prioritize both safety and environmental responsibility, setting a standard for a greener and more sustainable future.
“We’re excited to take the lessons learned from this fire station and continue to innovate our sustainability practices as we build and rehabilitate other City of Edmonton facilities,” says Richards.
A Booming Community
The Windermere community has witnessed rapid growth over the past decade, with new residential developments, businesses, and amenities sprouting up in the area. This growth has brought both opportunities and challenges, one of the primary challenges being the need for enhanced safety and emergency response services to keep pace with the expanding population.
“Edmonton is growing,” says Richards. “We are preparing to be a city of two million people. Building the necessary infrastructure to support that growth with climate-resilient features prepares us for the future and makes the station more efficient and durable. The City of Edmonton is continuously working towards becoming an energy sustainable and climate resilient city—this means reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy, increasing energy efficiency and shifting to renewable energy sources.”
Edmonton sees 2,300 hours of sunlight a year and is one of the sunniest cities in Canada! “This 15,941 sq. ft. building has a pitched roof that optimizes solar generation,” says Richards.
The establishment of Windermere Fire Station 31 is a symbol of Edmonton’s commitment to safeguarding its residents and businesses, ensuring the community can thrive in a secure environment.
Operational Excellence
Since its inauguration, the fire station has been staffed by a dedicated team of professional firefighters and paramedics. These first responders undergo rigorous training and continuous professional development to ensure they are ready to handle any situation that arises.
The station operates round the clock, 365 days a year, providing essential services to the community. Its role extends beyond emergency response to proactive measures such as fire prevention inspections, public safety education, and community engagement initiatives.
As Windermere and the surrounding communities continue to grow, Windermere Fire Station 31 remains committed to adapting and expanding its services to meet evolving needs. Future initiatives may include further community engagement, enhanced disaster preparedness programs, and continued collaboration with local businesses to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
“Windermere Fire Station 31 is meeting the needs of southwest Edmonton, which is an area that continues to grow,” says Richards. “This is a station that doesn’t just protect Edmontonians, it benefits firefighter safety and ensures firefighters across the city will have increased support as they watch over lives and property.”
For more information, please visit www.edmonton.ca
