New Emergency Services Station Opens
October 24, 2009
A new fire and EMS station will help firefighters and paramedics save lives and property and will build on the City’s strong environmental record.
The new station, called the Meadows, is equipped with four solar panels on its roof as part of a renewable energy demonstration project. It is the first solar-electric energy system in a City of Edmonton-owned building.
“This new station investment is a real win-win,” said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "Not only are we continuing to expand emergency services to ensure optimal coverage in new and growing parts of our city, we are investing in green infrastructure, which supports a more environmentally sustainable city and a more energy-efficient design.”
The Meadows houses the City of Edmonton’s Fire Rescue Services as well as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) which is operated by Alberta Health Services. Deputy fire chief Jan Haak says the new building will help firefighters meet an average travel time of four minutes to nearby neighbourhoods.
“When a crisis happens, seconds count, so being closer to the communities we serve really helps,” said Deputy Haak. “Sharing this station with EMS will help us both deliver quality emergency response services to Edmontonians and help keep them safe not only when the unthinkable happens, but from a preventative perspective as well.”
Joe Acker, EMS Operations Director for the Edmonton Zone, says the new facility will also enable EMS paramedics to enhance their service to residents in southeast Edmonton.
“This new emergency response station will function as a critical link from the community to the emergency health care system,” says Mr. Acker. “Positioning EMS resources within the Meadows area increases our ability to respond to community health needs and provide even faster emergency response when the unexpected happens. I know our paramedics will be exceptional neighbours and we look forward to becoming an even stronger part of this community.”
The 14,300 square foot building can accommodate three fire apparatuses and two ambulances. It also includes administration offices, a kitchen and dining room, a meeting area, dormitories and an exercise room. In addition to the solar panels, it also has energy efficient lighting and mechanical systems. The station is equipped with an exhaust and air exchange system with carbon monoxide detection to protect employees working in the station.
The solar panels are part of the Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase which features projects in 20 different municipalities. The one kilowatt solar system on top of the Meadows Station can generate up to 20 per cent of the energy required by a typical home. The electricity generated by the system will be transmitted to the provincial power grid through a process known as net metering. Edmontonians can monitor the energy the solar panels create at a PC-powered kiosk located in the northeast corner of Edmonton City Hall.
The Meadows Station is located at 28 Avenue and 34 Street.
This alternative energy demonstration project supports EcoVision Edmonton, City Council’s vision for an environmentally sustainable city.
For more information:
Tim Wilson
Community Services
| Title | Communications |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-1696 |
Sheila Rougeau
Alberta Health Services
| Title | Communications, Emergency Medical Services |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 403-944-3661 |
