SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Fire Department will close the 56-year-old Fire Station No. 5 at 421 Central Avenue in Sutherland and relocate all services to a new facility at 1705 Preston Avenue North.
This move follows the SFD’s comprehensive review of its operations in 2014, culminating in a revamped service model to enhance fire service response times. This model was carefully planned to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to 500,000 residents.
The new location opened on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and will be fully operational in mid-September, post-completion of all Life Safety tests. The former Central Avenue location of Station No. 5 will be retired, with potential avenues being explored for the building's future.
The modern fire station, 10,000 square feet over two levels, features two bays designed to house a frontline engine and reserve apparatus. The station will have four firefighter paramedics and one officer daily. During daytime hours, fire inspectors will also utilize office space on the premises.
Distinctively, the new fire station integrates a dedicated cultural area, thoughtfully crafted to include a central tiled circle equipped with ventilation to facilitate smudging ceremonies. This space showcases artwork created by students from Osk膩yak High School.
The displayed artwork will be regularly updated in the said room, which will also serve as a shared space for the SFD and the University of Saskatchewan. When scheduling permits, this room will also be available for public bookings by residents and community groups.
SFD Chief Morgan Hackl said the collaborative efforts with the University of Saskatchewan facilitated the establishment of the new Fire Station No. 5. This achievement represents a commitment to truth and reconciliation while enhancing response coverage for the city's northeastern sector.
“The station offers a newer facility design for our crews that is centred around our commitment to truth and reconciliation while at the same time delivering improved response coverage to the north-east part of the city. The relocation of Station No. 5 is a welcome addition to our infrastructure network and will support the community for future generations,” said Hackl.
Mayor Charlie Clark lauded the partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, underscoring how the relocation would optimise fire service organization and improve response times as Saskatoon's population expands.
“The station offers a newer facility design for our crews that is centred around our commitment to truth and reconciliation while at the same time delivering improved response coverage to the north-east part of the city. The relocation of Station No. 5 is a welcome addition to our infrastructure network and will support the community for future generations,” said Hackl.
Peter Stoicheff, President of the University of Saskatchewan, expressed pride in supporting this pivotal project, reaffirming the institution's commitment to the community.
“We are proud to play a role in supporting this vital project and furthering our commitment to the vibrant community that we all serve. We are also pleased to see the inclusion of a shared cultural space on this site [highlighting] the work of Osk膩yak High School students, as we recognize that this new fire station is located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis,” said Stoicheff.
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